WEEK 8 Flashcards
template analysis
What is the definition of ‘coding’:
The process of identifying themes in accounts and attaching labels (codes) to index them
What is the definition of ‘themes’:
Themes are topics, ideas, and common patterns of meaning that come up repeatedly
How can you identify themes in qual analysis?
- Word Repetitions
-Repeated behaviours
-Indigenous categories
-Key words
-Metaphors/ Analogies
What is Thematic Analysis?
Thematic Analysis is a method used for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns within qual data
-Clarity of which process you use is crucial
What are the approaches to ‘Thematic Analysis’:
-Content Analysis
-Template Analysis
-‘Thematic Analysis’ (various approaches)
What is Content Analysis?
Content Analysis is a research tool used to determine the presence of certain words, themes or concepts within some given qual data.
-It changes qual data into quan data so that it can be statistically analysed or used descriptively.
What is content analysis used for?
- The reduction of large data sets to a manageable level
- Identify important aspects of the content of a data set
-Examine trends in a data set
What are some strengths of Content Analysis?
-Unobtrusive/ possesses fewer ethical issues
-Often used for existing data
-Data is analysed in a systematic manner
-Researchers do not require a specific ‘skill’ to use
What are some limitations of Content Analysis?
-Extremely time consuming
-Prone to increased error
-Criticised for being a basic approach, lacking in theory
-Reductionist
-Ignores context
What is the definition of ‘Template Analysis’?
Template Analysis is a research method used to thematically organise and analyse qual data in social science research
What is Involved in Template Analysis:
-Involves the development of a coding ‘template’ which summarises themes, which are presented in an organised manner
-Hierarchal coding is suggested
Why do we use template Analysis?
-Epistemological flexibility
-Procedural Flexibility
-‘A Priori themes’
-Larger data sets
Stages of Template Analysis:
-Define any ‘a priori’ themes
-Collect data
-Transcribe interviews and familiarise yourself with a small subset of data
-Carry out initial coding
-Produce initial coding template
-Continue to refine the template as more data is analysed
Use the final template to write up findings
What are some advantages of using a priori codes in template analysis?
- Links to previous research
-Builds on existing theory
-Flexible
-Makes data analysis less time consuming
-Allows the researcher to ensure they capture important theoretical concepts
disadvantages ^
- Deciding on the codes can be challenging
-Loss of holistic understanding
-Can lead to a very simple template
-A Priori codes may not be useful
