Qualitative/quantitative data and thematic analysis

Question 1

What are the pros of quantitative data?

2

Answer 1

• Easy to analyse, numerical, easy to draw conclusions

- Objective, ^credible (not biased)

Question 2

What are the cons of quantitative data?

2

Answer 2

• Doesn’t express ppt precise thoughts, >validity

- Reductionist, >human experience to quantities

Question 3

What are the pros of qualitative data?

2

Answer 3

• Represents complexities of human behaviour (holistic)

- Can express themselves ^validity, measuring variable of interest

Question 4

What are the cons of qualitative data?

2

Answer 4

• Hard to see trends/draw conclusions, so much info

- Interpretation = subjective, >credibility

Question 5

What are the pros of thematic analysis?

2

Answer 5

• Lengthy, iterative, every item carefully considered

- Holistic approach

Question 6

What is grounded theory and what does it provide?

2

Answer 6

• Bottom-up technique used to analyse qual data

- Themes lead to new explanations (emergent theory)

Question 7

What is the process of thematic analysis?

6

Answer 7

• Data produced (transcript of interview)
• Themes identified
• Researcher goes back through transcripts, see where each theme found
• Responses organised according to these themes
• Trends identified
• Conclusions drawn

Question 8

What is the main pro of grounded theory?

1

Answer 8

• No researcher bias, no pre context knowledge

Question 9

What is the main con of grounded theory?

1

Answer 9

• Only applicable to sample in study