Qualitative Analysis

Question 1

What are the main objectives of qualitative analysis?

Answer 1

• Describing the nature of the phenomenon and developing conceptual definitions
• Generating typologies and classifications
• Identifying associations between attitudes, behaviours and experience
• New ideas and theories

Question 2

Describe thematic analysis, the process it follows and its use in social research

Answer 2

• Inductive approach which aims to identify common themes in the data
• Used when not a lot is known about the topic, exploratory
• Can be used to arrive a policy recommendations from accounts or through analytic process

1. Initial coding
2. Development of coding scheme (major categories and subcategories)
3. Coding data (comparison and adaptation)
4. Analysis via cut and paste (collecting coded abstracts under headings
5. Write up of findings

Question 3

Describe frameworks analysis, the process it follows and its use in social research

Answer 3

• Deductive approach, aimed to more direct policy implications
• Strong idea of the information required from the beginning of the process in order for data to be applied practically

1. Familiarisation (get feel of data)
2. Identifying thematic framework (themes generally from aim of study and are in the topic guide)
3. Application of thematic framework via indexing (application of framework to data) and charting (rearranging data to reflect themes for comparison)
4. Mapping and interpretation - (charts reviewed to look at patterns and associations; define concepts and create explanations)

Question 4

Describe grounded theory, the process it follows and its use in social research

Answer 4

• Very inductive approach, aims to generate/contribute to theory via evidence-based practice
• Constant comparative method - iterative

Cyclical: data collection -> analysis -> and theory development until “saturation” is reached (no new info)

• Open coding and line by line analysis used for early data
• Further sampling is iterative and guided by emerging theory

Question 5

Discuss the quality indicators for the maximisation of validity and reliability in qualitative data analysis

Answer 5

• Validity - measures what it purports to measure
• Reliability - rigorous research practice. Triangulation (data, researchers, methods). Trained, process. Test hypothesis, theories and associations.
• Comprehensiveness - systematic and comprehensive approach to research. Cover whole data set (or justify sample and criteria). Note typical and unusual accounts.
• Thoroughness - Account for variation and complexity. Comparison within and between cases.
  Being critical, presenting evidence for and against, explaining deviations and inconsistencies.
• Transparency - audit trail, decisions in analysis

Reports should have:

• Be plausible, balanced and fair
• Explanatory power - can be judged by others
• Ethical considerations and reflexivity

Question 6

Discuss briefly the difference between generalisability and transferability of research findings

Answer 6

• Generalisability - applicable to whole population
• Transferability - generates new concepts and insights

Qualitative data does not generally aim to be generabilisable but more transferable