Qualitative social research methods Analysing and Writing up your data. SOCP0062 Leah Wild Week 10

Week 10 overview Integrating theory with findings Analysing qualitative data Writing up qualitative analysis Analysing discourse Discussion of projects

Integrating theory with findings Focus on research aims/objectives Theory-testing, exploring, refining Theory-building –Grounded theory –Concepts emerge from data up But always based on preconceptions

Stages of analysis Familiarisation with the data Descriptive stage Preliminary analysis stage Explanatory stage Verification stage

Familiarisation with the data Listen to the tapes Transcribe the tapes –Verbatim transcription –Comments on non-verbatim material Interview situation/events Emphasis/mood/tone Body language Read through transcripts

Descriptive stage Describing/summarising the story in a few paragraphs –Chronological/key issues Identify important categories (from aims and objectives and summaries) –Recursive process Construct and fill in thematic grid (A3)

Thematic grid ProfileAcademic profile Attitudes Adam14, M, C2WeakHates school Q1 Billie13, F, AB, brother at Uni StrongLoves school Catherine14, F, C2Quite strong Loves school Dave13, M, ABQuite strong Hates school

Preliminary analysis stage Identifying conceptual categories and sub-categories –Different dimensions of attitudes to school Looking for patterns in thematic grids Looking for surprises/inconsistencies Identifying key quotes

Explanatory stage Multiple case analysis –Comparing/contrasting –Sorting people into categories/types –Identifying typologies –Explaining differences Meta-analysis –Broader theory Reference to previous theory/research

Future orientation Identifying conceptual categories and sub- categories –Time orientation: past, present, future –Extent of orientation: short, medium, long –Nature of orientation: optimism, anxiety, fatalism –Scope of orientation: social, economic, anticipatory, precautionary Putting people into categories

Future orientation Identifying typologies –Optimists: think ahead, in control, optimistic –Worriers: pessimistic, anxious, not in control, some think ahead, some do not –Fatalists: neither optimistic nor pessimistic, do not think ahead, not in control but not anxious Explaining variations –Age, faith, income/resources

Verification stage Look for evidence against your findings –Motivated accounts –Preconceptions –Nature of your relationship with interviewee –Circumstances of the interview Triangulation Involve respondents –Respondent validation

Writing up Use the first person – I/we, not the passive voice Different structures –Literature, methods, findings –Intro, methods, integrate literature and findings thematically

Discourse analysis Analysis of language beyond the sentence –Representations and meanings –Describing discourses equally –Link between materiality and meaning Discourses on lone mothers –Social threat –Social problem –Escaping patriarchy –Lifestyle change

Applying discourse analysis Analyse discourse on combining work and parenthood Analyse discourse on fear of crime Analyse discourse on attitudes to school Consider the underlying meaning of what is said not just the particular words used –Tone, context, body language

Your assignment Title/abstract/introduction Write in first person (I/we) Literature review/aims and methods –previous research/policy –conceptual framework –clear overall aim and researchable objectives

Methods Rationale for in-depth interviews Details of particular methods used Evaluate your/group role Reflect on the process Discuss ethics Reliability and validity QUOTE METHODS BOOKS!!!

Findings Clear structure (with subheadings) Description of interviewees (anonymised) Analytical commentary Use of existing or new concepts Quotations (in italics) Refer to key issues from literature review A clear argument is presented

Conclusion and bibliography Summarise research findings Review strengths and weaknesses of your research What further research might be carried out? Methods and research literature Harvard style (see my website)

Appendices Proposal/ethical approval form (signed) Unsigned letter of consent Group contract and journal Topic guide/other materials Reference to transcripts but not necessarily transcripts themselves

Final tips Check for overall consistency Proof read Leave plenty of time to print it out