Qualitative Data Analysis Solutions for Organizing Qualitative Data

Qualitative Data: Information that cannot be numerically organized. Decision: You must decide how to unfold your analysis in a way that makes it accessible to your audience. Decide if quantitative or qualitative information should lead your organization. The following techniques will aid in your decisions. Information that cannot be numerically organized. Remember: Frequency of word usage can be quantitatively analyzed depending on the intention of the analysis.

Order in which Data Appears Pros: Appears, on the surface, to be systematic and supportive of reader understanding Cons: Does not allow for grouping in a way that deepens the understanding of data Order in which Data Appears Provide data to readers as it was compiled through the research method

Category Grouping Pros: Cons: Allows the reader to see the interworking of the method section in terms of response Cons: With large amounts of responses, information can be difficult to bulk into large categories. Category Grouping Grouping prompt items to allow for clear illustration of method intentions. Prompt Item Examples: Survey or Interview Constructed Response

Grouping Negative and Positive phrasing to show trend Pros: Makes information abundantly accessible to reader Cons: You have to do loads of work on the front end to identify trends Can cause reporter bias if you attempt to bend answers to fit the trend Trend Grouping Grouping item responses based on similarities in response rather than item intention. Example: Grouping Negative and Positive phrasing to show trend

Pre-Test/ Post-Test Comparison Pros: Clearly shows change for audience if change is present Cons: Lacks effect if very little change occurs from pre to post data collection Pre-Test/ Post-Test Comparison Comparing specific items to a before and after response Could be done per subject or for a specific group Specific Group Example: Control and Experimental Group

Documentation Over Time Pros: Guides reader through analysis chronologically which can increase clarity for evolution of data Cons: Time consuming and can potentially become difficult to place in a 5,000 academic paper. Documentation Over Time Creating a pattern of analysis in which snapshots at various points in method are provided and analyzed.

Thematic Grouping Pros: Cons: Great approach for secondary research as well as primary research. Aids the reader in understanding key pieces of analysis Cons: Researcher must take the time to know their data so intimately that they can identify themes and then build these out in their analysis Thematic Grouping Grouping data in a format that makes important information rise to the forefront of the organization.