Analysis of Qualitative Data

Qualitative research deals more with observations and interview data in the form audio tapes, written transcripts, video material, art, posters and others. The process of analysis is not to do with quantity of data or responses, but rather with the quality and the content of the data. Generally qualitative data analysis seeks to better understand people’s lives, behaviors and stories, as well as the ways organizations function, social movements operate and the interactional relationships (Strauss and Corbin, 1990)

There is always a tension in the analysis process between the extent to which the data ‘speaks’ for itself and the extent to which the researcher brings his or her ideas and arguments to the data. It’s a good idea to return to your original research ideas and research proposal to help you clarify what (data) it is important to include, and what might fall outside of your research project and/or constitute another article, study or project.

Further Reading:

Ezzy, Douglas (2002) 'Qualitative Analysis: Practice and Innovation', New South Wales: Allen & Unwin.

Glaser, B. (1978) 'Theoretical sensitivity'. Mill Valley, CA: Sociology Press.

Glaser, B., & A. Strauss. (1967) 'The discovery of grounded theory: Strategies for qualitative research'. Chicago: Aldine.

View the article by Sally Thorne:  Data analysis in qualitative research   

There are many different methods of analysis that can be used on qualitative data, some of the main methods of analysis can be accessed via the left hand menu.