Analysing Qualitative Data

Question 1

What is 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of qualitative data?

Answer 1

A - Represents the true complexities of human behaviour.

D - analysis is subjective and can be influenced by bias.

Question 2

What is coding?

Answer 2

Identifying categories, themes or key words.

Question 3

What are the 2 different types of coding?

Answer 3

1. Top down coding

2. Bottom up coding

Question 4

What is top down coding?

Answer 4

Identifying themes using existing theories.

Question 5

What is bottom up coding?

Answer 5

Codes emerge from the data rather than being decided beforehand.

Question 6

What happens when analysing qualitative data?

Answer 6

Codes or headings are used to record quotations from participants OR tally the number under each heading, and then this is turned into quantitative data, and conclusions can then be drawn.

Question 7

How can validity of qualitative data be demonstrated?

Answer 7

By using triangulation - the results of different studies using the same person or issue are compared. If the same results are evident. then this supports the validity of the study.

Question 8

What are the 6 steps that content analysis involves?

Answer 8

1. Making a hypothesis
2. Deciding on which sources of info to use
3. Look for suitable categories into which the info can be placed (if using top up)
4. 2 or more judges should assign the info to the categories - ensures reliability and eliminates bias.
5. Count how many times each info relates to each category.
6. Turn into quantitative data.