RSC2601 – Chapter 9
Qualitative data analysis and interpretation: Steps,
practical examples and pointers
The Purpose of Qualitative Data Analysis
Qualitative researchers concern themselves with the interpretation of
subjective meaning, the description of social contexts, and the privileging of
lay knowledge
Qualitative research
o An inductive process
o A non-numerical process of examining and interpreting of data in order
to elicit meaning, gain understanding, and develop empirical
knowledge
The purpose is all about the “taking apart” or de-contextualising, sifting, and
sorting the masses of information acquired during the process of data
collection, and organising or re-contextualising it in such a way that the
themes/categories and interpretations that emerge from this process address
the research problem(s) and the ensuing question(s) posed at the outset of
the research
While the major task in the analysis process consists of dissecting the masses
of information into smaller pieces, the final goal is the emergence of a larger,
consolidated picture
o Bit like designing a puzzle
The Commencement of the Activity of Data Analysis in the Qualitative
Research Process
Data analysis is always an ongoing process that routinely starts prior to the
first interview
The process of data analysis commences when the process of data collection
begins
If data analysis only begins after the data have been collected, researchers
will have missed many valuable opportunities that can be taken only at the
same time as they are collecting their data
While engaging in the process of data analysis, whilst collecting data, the
researcher might discover and notice unanticipated issues
o Issues and aspects not pursued during data collection cannot be
pursued in any depth during the process of data analysis
Data analysis will be conducted as an activity concurrently with data
collection, data interpretation, and narrative report writing
In qualitative studies it isn’t uncommon to conduct further and/or new
interviews after you have analysed the data collected from your previous
research participants
In summary – in most qualitative research studies data analysis and
interpretation are closely interwoven and both are enmeshed with data
collection as well
In practice, we find that data analysis only occurs when data saturation
becomes noticeable
Qualitative data analysis and interpretation: Steps,
practical examples and pointers
The Purpose of Qualitative Data Analysis
Qualitative researchers concern themselves with the interpretation of
subjective meaning, the description of social contexts, and the privileging of
lay knowledge
Qualitative research
o An inductive process
o A non-numerical process of examining and interpreting of data in order
to elicit meaning, gain understanding, and develop empirical
knowledge
The purpose is all about the “taking apart” or de-contextualising, sifting, and
sorting the masses of information acquired during the process of data
collection, and organising or re-contextualising it in such a way that the
themes/categories and interpretations that emerge from this process address
the research problem(s) and the ensuing question(s) posed at the outset of
the research
While the major task in the analysis process consists of dissecting the masses
of information into smaller pieces, the final goal is the emergence of a larger,
consolidated picture
o Bit like designing a puzzle
The Commencement of the Activity of Data Analysis in the Qualitative
Research Process
Data analysis is always an ongoing process that routinely starts prior to the
first interview
The process of data analysis commences when the process of data collection
begins
If data analysis only begins after the data have been collected, researchers
will have missed many valuable opportunities that can be taken only at the
same time as they are collecting their data
While engaging in the process of data analysis, whilst collecting data, the
researcher might discover and notice unanticipated issues
o Issues and aspects not pursued during data collection cannot be
pursued in any depth during the process of data analysis
Data analysis will be conducted as an activity concurrently with data
collection, data interpretation, and narrative report writing
In qualitative studies it isn’t uncommon to conduct further and/or new
interviews after you have analysed the data collected from your previous
research participants
In summary – in most qualitative research studies data analysis and
interpretation are closely interwoven and both are enmeshed with data
collection as well
In practice, we find that data analysis only occurs when data saturation
becomes noticeable
