Analysis of Qualitative Data

Question 1

What is Thematic Analysis?

Answer 1

• A method of identifying, analysing and reporting patterns (themes) within data.

Question 2

What is the process of thematic analysis?

Answer 2

1. Data is reviewed repeatedly by researcher to identify trends in the meaning of the language. –> Researcher then decides if any categories link in anyway.
2. Identified themes are then re-analysed so that they become more refined and relevant, and are given codes.
3. Themes will be critically reviewed to decide if they’re relevant.
4. Qualitative comparisons are made between major and minor themes of the analysis.
   Main aim = to end up with the key themes that describe the essence of the study.

Question 3

Strengths of Thematic Analysis?

Answer 3

• High EV –> Analysing data from real-life behaviours.
• E.g., analysis can be done on books people have read or TV shows they have watched.
• Records of the sources remain, so easy to replicate –> Reliable.

Question 4

Weaknesses of Thematic Analysis?

Answer 4

• Can produce findings that are very subjective.
• E.g., researcher may interpret answers in an interview to be different to how the interviewee actually meant them.
• May be cultural differences in how the sources are interpreted.
• Above may lead to inaccuracies and make the study invalid.

Question 5

What is Grounded Theory?

Answer 5

• A method that develops theories from research evidence.
• Research is carried out to gather info about something of interest and the theory emerges gradually from the data as it’s gathered and analysed.

Question 6

What is the process of Grounded Theory?

Answer 6

1. Researcher identifies an area of interest and where they can gather info on it from.
2. As data is gathered, “codes” and “categories” are drawn out from what they’ve seen. –> Data will be coded until patterns are seen.
3. As theoretical concepts become more apparent, codes may become more specific.
4. Identify links between different concepts emerging from the data.
5. Once theoretical concepts are obvious, researchers will start to selectively code only the relevant data they gather.
6. Once the clear theory has developed, researchers can then review other literature and develop the theory in more detail.

Question 7

Strengths of Grounded Theory?

Answer 7

• Evidence is incorporated into the theory, therefore the theory itself should be valid.

Question 8

Weaknesses of Grounded Theory?

Answer 8

• If there is any researcher bias, this could compromise the whole theory as it would make it subjective.
• If researchers selectively sample data as the theory emerges, then they may miss crucial evidence and are “forcing” the data to support their theory.
• May be unreliable if it is possible that another researcher conducting the research could come to a different conclusion.
• Likely to take a very long time to gather and analyse the info.