data analysis methods for qualitative descriptive research

Data analysis methods for qualitative descriptive research code#

305), because it will probably require multiple analyses. This process is also referred to as open coding (Palys & Atchison, 2014, p. In contrast, inductive coding begins with the identification of general themes and ideas that emerge as the researcher reads through the data. For example, if you are studying at-risk behaviours in youth, and you discover that the various behaviours have different characteristics and meanings depending upon the social context (e.g., school, family, work) in which the various behaviours occur, you have identified a pattern (Palys & Atchison, 2014, p. Pattern coding is another step an analyst might take as different associations become apparent. From there, the analyst elaborates on these preliminary codes, making finer distinctions within each coding category (known as interpretative coding). The process of deductive coding begins with the analyst utilizing those specific or pre-defined interests to identify “relevant” passages, quotes, images, scenes, etc., to develop a set of preliminary codes (often referred to as descriptive coding). Deductive coding is the approach used by research analysts who have a well-specified or pre-defined set of interests (Palys & Atchison, 2014, P. 304).Ĭoding can be inductive or deductive. Coding helps to achieve the goal of data management and data reduction (Palys & Atchison, 2014, p. Coding involves identifying themes across interview data by reading and re-reading (and re-reading again) interview transcripts, until the researcher has a clear idea about what sorts of themes come up across the interviews. The process of identifying codes in one’s qualitative data is often referred to as coding.

Data analysis methods for qualitative descriptive research code#

A code is a shorthand representation of some more complex set of issues or ideas. To move from the specific observations an interviewer collects to identifying patterns across those observations, qualitative interviewers will often begin by reading through transcripts of their interviews and trying to identify codes. Analysis of qualitative interview data often works inductively (Glaser & Strauss, 1967 Patton, 2001).

Overall, the goal of analysis is to reach some inferences, lessons, or conclusions by condensing large amounts of data into relatively smaller, more manageable bits of understandable information. Interviewees may roll their eyes, wipe tears from their face, and even make obscene gestures that speak volumes about their feelings however, such non-verbal gestures cannot be recorded, and being able to remember and record in writing these details as it relates to the transcribing of interviews is invaluable. If the researcher who conducted the interviews transcribes them herself, that person will also be able to record associated nonverbal behaviors and interactions that may be relevant to analysis but that could not be picked up by audio recording. If you have the time, it is best to transcribe your interviews yourself. Gestures made by respondents should be noted, as should the tone of voice and notes about when, where, and how spoken words may have been emphasized by respondents.

If possible, it is also best to include nonverbal responses in the written transcription of an interview (if the interview is completed face-to-face, or some other form of visual contact is maintained, such as with Skype). In general, it is best to aim for a verbatim transcription, i.e., one that reports word for word exactly what was said in the recorded interview. To transcribe an interview means to create a complete, written copy of the recorded interview by playing the recording back and typing in each word that is spoken on the recording, noting who spoke which words. Obtaining said transcripts requires either having taken exceptionally good notes during an interview or, preferably, recorded the interview and then transcribed it. Chapter 10: Qualitative Data Collection & Analysis Methodsġ0.5 Analysis of Qualitative Interview DataĪnalysis of qualitative interview data typically begins with a set of transcripts of the interviews conducted.