Making Sense of Data: Making Sense of Data: Qualitative Analysis Qualitative Analysis Basics Basics Tammy Horne, Ph.D. WellQuest Consulting Ltd. (780) 451-6145thorne@wellquestconsulting.comwww.wellquestconsulting.com

Analysis Basics: Analysis Basics: QualitativeQualitative

Qualitative analysis -- meaning often emerges from data during analysis – whereas quantitative analysis is mostly planned ahead

However, past research and experience can still be a guide to qualitative analysis

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Analysis Basics: Analysis Basics: QualitativeQualitative

Analysis starts while we’re still collecting data

We can adjust based on early learning (e.g., sample more or fewer people; different types of people; modify questions to explore issues in more depth)

 

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Analysis Basics: Analysis Basics: QualitativeQualitative

Coding – labelling ‘chunks’ of data – e.g., interviews with parents’ group may have codes like ‘meeting people’, ‘avoiding isolation’, ‘feeling supported’, ‘making new friends’, etc.

Compare new codes to prior codes as we go – Do they fit? Are more codes needed? Would we re-label any codes to broaden or narrow them?

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Analysis Basics: Analysis Basics: QualitativeQualitative

Check codes with other coders for consistency

 

Coding and looking for categories and themes is a process of constant comparison

We can group categories into broader themes – e.g., ‘avoiding isolation’ category could become part of broader ‘social support’ theme

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Coding ExampleCoding ExampleFewer cigs a dayPride in self

Struggle

Tempting Situations(Phone, Smoking Friend)

Confidence

Strength

I only had four cigarettes today. I think that’s pretty good. This time last week I was still smoking at least 10-12 a day. But it’s still hard sometimes – especially when I’m on the phone or over at Sue’s. She still smokes a lot.

But I know I can quit. Every day I’m feeling more able to resist the urge to smoke. I’m getting stronger.

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CATEGORIES AND THEMES: RURAL CATEGORIES AND THEMES: RURAL STAY-AT-HOME PARENTS NETWORK STAY-AT-HOME PARENTS NETWORK

Meeting People Avoiding Isolation Children Meet Children Make Friends

SOCIAL SUPPORT CHILDREN Children's Behaviour Children's Activities

Feeling Supported Developing New Children's Influence Discussions

About Friendships on Mothers' Participation Children

Physical Activities Learning New Organizational Problems Facilities Activities

ACTIVITIES Variety in NETWORK Activities PROCESSES

Discussing Health Community Suggestions for Promotion Issues Involvement Improvement