Qualitative Data Analysis

While Miles, Huberman, and Saldana (2014) propose several coding methods
to approach the analysis of qualitative data, we must not forget that our decisions in
the early stages of our research design will be associated, if not plainly condition,
our analysis methods and our perspectives within those methods. It is always
important to have in mind our philosophical questions and assumptions.

Assumption Question
(type)
Ontological What is the nature of reality?
Epistemologi What counts as knowledge? How are knowledge claims justified?
cal What is the relationship between the researcher and that being
researched?
Axiological What is the role of values?
Methodologi What is the process of research? What is the language of
cal research?
(Creswell, 2012)
There are different answers to those questions according to different perspectives or
worldviews. For instance, a postpositivistic view assumes that there is a single
reality that is external to the individuals, which cannot be fully understood, but can
be approximated through the scientific method. On the opposite sidewalk, social
constructivist assumes there are multiple realities that are socially constructed;
hence, the product of research is socially constructed by the researcher and the
researched.
Different methodological approaches, such as Narrative Research,
Phenomenology, Grounded Theory, Ethnography, and Case Study are associated
with specific worldviews (Creswell, 2012). The focus of our research (what is that we
want to understand?) should help us define our approach. The decision on the
methodological approach, in turn, will influence our data collection and analysis
methods.
Components of Data Analysis
Miles, Huberman, and Saldana propose the following components of data analysis:

Data condensation: Selecting, focusing, simplifying, abstracting, and/or

transforming data
Data display: Organizing information visually (important for conclusion
drawing)
Drawing and verifying conclusions: Noting patterns, explanations, causal
flows, and propositions.
We are going to focus in the condensation process, which includes:

First cycle coding

Second cycle coding
Jotting and analytic memoing (display may be useful at this stage)
 Assertion and proposition development (display is crucial at this stage)

Note: There are other typologies by other authors as well, as for instance the
concepts of initial or open, axial or intermediate, and advanced or theoretical coding
used in grounded theory (Birks & Mills, 2011). There are also other analytical
approaches that define the type of coding we may use, such as Thematic Analysis
and Structural Analysis (Riessman, 2007).
Categ Elemen Affecti Literary Explorat Proced Grammati
ory tal ve ory ural cal
Metho Descripti Emotion Dramaturgi Holistic Protocol Attribute
ds ve Values cal Provision Causatio Magnitude
In vivo Evaluati al n Subcoding
Process on Hypothes Simultane
is ous
First cycle coding
Miles, Huberman, and Saldana (2014) propose the following coding methods:

Consider also the importance of

Creating codes: After all, the researcher is a creative entity. The codes we
create are influenced by our philosophical assumptions and our research
decision (plus any other contextual influences).
Revising codes: As our understanding of the data increases, new codes may
emerge, and some of our previous codes may stop making sense. Some
codes may merge into a broader category, or some elements within a code
may require a new category altogether.
Structure and unity in code list: When looking at our list of codes, it should
look coherent. Codes should not look random, but they should suggest a
structure and unity.
Definition of codes: While we may experiment with our codes in early stages,
at some point our codes need to be clearly defined, so we can apply them
and interpret them consistently. The latter is especially true when a study
involves more than one researcher.
Second cycle coding (Pattern Codes)

Categories or Themes
Causes/Explanations
Display
Relationships Among People
Theoretical Constructs
 Jotting and memoing

Jotting and memoing are techniques to include ideas, reflection, and

self reflection when collecting and analyzing data. They are powerful tools to
structure our ideas in the light of our reflections throughout the process. We have to
consider that once we enter the more abstract stages of coding and developing
patterns, there are more chances of loosing contact with the data, and jots and
memos are ways we have to monitor our own conclusions.

Assertions and propositions

Assertions and propositions are ways of summarizing and synthesizing

a vast number of individual analytic observations. They are like "bullet points" of
major patterns, themes, trends, and findings that you feel you can confidently put
forth about your study.
 References
Birks, M., & Mills, J. (2011). Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide. Thousand
Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications Inc.

Creswell, J. (2012). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among

Five Approaches. SAGE Publications.

Miles, M., Huberman, A., & Saldana, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis: A
Methods Sourcebook 3rd Ed. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.

Riessman, C. (2007). Narrative Methods for the Human Sciences. SAGE

Publications.