Chapter 22 Qualitative data analysis

Question 1

What are the 2 strategies for qualitative analysis?

Answer 1

Analytical Induction and Grounded Theory

Question 2

What is a general strategy for qualitative data analysis?

Answer 2

a framework that is meant to guide the analysis of data

Question 3

Iterative

Answer 3

there is a repetitive interplay between the collection and analysis of data

Question 4

What is analytical induction?

Answer 4

an approach to the analysis of data in which the researcher seeks universal explanations of phenomena by pursuing the collection of data until no cases that are inconsistent with a hypothetical explanation (deviant or negative cases) of a phenomenon are found.

Question 5

What do you do if a qualitative case is deviant and does not confirm the hypothetical explanation?

Answer 5

you either 1. Redefine the hypothesis so as to exclude the deviant or negative case, or 2. Reformulate the hypothesis and proceeds with further data collection

Question 6

Why is analytical induction a rigorous method of analysis?

Answer 6

because if even a single case is inconsistent with a hypothesis it sufficient enough to reformulate the hypothesis and proceed with further data collection. And the selection of cases must be sufficiently diverse as to have adequately challenged the theory.

Question 7

What are 2 other problems with analytic induction?

Answer 7

1. The specified conditions of the theory are only sufficient, rarely necessary.
2. It does not provide useful guidelines as to how many cases are needed before the absence of negative cases and the validity of the hypothetical explanation can be confirmed

Question 8

What is grounded theory?

Answer 8

theory that is derived from data, systematically gathered and analysed through the research process. In this method, data collection, analysis, and eventual theory stand in close relationship to one another

Question 9

What is coding?

Answer 9

When data are broken down into component parts, which are given names

Question 10

constant comparison

Answer 10

a process of maintaining a close connection between data and conceptualization, so that the correspondence between concepts and categories with their indicators is not lost

Question 11

What are the three types of coding practice?

Answer 11

• open coding
• axial coding
• selective coding

Question 12

Open coding

Answer 12

the process of breaking down, examining, comparing, conceptualizing and categorizing data

Question 13

Axial coding

Answer 13

a set of procedures whereby data are put back together in new ways after open coding, by making connections between categories

Question 14

Selective coding

Answer 14

the procedure of selecting the core category, systematically relating it to other categories, validating those relationships, and filling in categories that need further refinement and development

Question 15

Concept

Answer 15

labels given to discrete phenomena

Question 16

Category

Answer 16

a concept that has been elaborated so that it is regarded as representing real-world phenomena

Question 17

Properties

Answer 17

attributes or aspects of a category

Question 18

Theory

Answer 18

a set of well-developed categories (…) that are
systematically related through statements of relationship to form a theoretical framework that explains some relevant social (…) or other phenomenon

Question 19

Substantive theory

Answer 19

relates to theory in a certain empirical instance or substantive area, such as occupational socialization

Question 20

Formal theory

Answer 20

higher level of abstraction and has a wider range of applicability to several substantive areas, such as socialization in a number of spheres, suggesting that higher-level processes are at work. Requires data collection In contrasting settings

Question 21

What are “memos” in grounded theory?

Answer 21

notes that researchers might write for themselves and for those with whom they work concerning such elements of grounded theory as coding or concepts.

Question 22

What is grounded theory particularly good at?

Answer 22

• capturing complexity
• linking with practice
• Facilitating theoretical work in substantive areas that have not been well researched by others.
• Putting life into well-established fields

Question 23

What are the important steps and considerations in coding?

Answer 23

1- code as soon as possible
2- read through initial set of transcripts, field notes, documents, etc.
3- do it again
4- review your codes
5- Consider more general theoretical ideas in relation to codes and data
6- Do not worry about generating what seem to be too many codes (in early stages)
7- keep coding in perspective

Question 24

Problems with coding?

Answer 24

• losing context of what is said
• it results in a fragmentation of data, so that the narrative flow of what people say is lost

Question 25

What are some issues with secondary use of qualitative data?

Answer 25

• the difficulty of making settings and people anonymous
• the ethical problems associated with promises of confidentiality
• secondary analyst’s lack of an insider’s understanding of the social context within which the data were produced