Week 17: Analyzing the meaning of data and drawing conclusions

Question 1

usually refers to analyzing text (interview transcripts, diaries or documents) rather than observation field notes. This refers to any qualitative data reduction and sense-making effort that takes a volume of qualitative material and attempts to identify core consistencies and meanings.

Answer 1

content analysis

Question 2

refers to a descriptive finding

Answer 2

pattern

Question 3

takes a more categorical or topical form, interpreting the meaning of the pattern

Answer 3

theme

Question 4

the basis for themes. The core meanings found through content analysis are patterns and themes. The process of searching for patterns and themes may be distinguished as pattern analysis and theme analysis, respectively.

Answer 4

patterns

Question 5

Techniques for Discovering Themes in Texts:

Answer 5

1. Word repetitions.
2. Indigenous category.
3. Key words in context (KWIC).
4. Compare and contrast.
5. Social science queries.
6. Searching for missing information.
7. Metaphors and analogies.
8. Transitions.
9. Connectors
10. Unmarked texts
11. Pawing
12. Cutting and sorting

Question 6

Ways to Display Qualitative Data Findings:

Answer 6

A. Narrative data about the participants in a qualitative study
B. Tabular, graphic and pictorial presentations.
C. Conversion of materials into slides.