Qualitative Data Analysis

Qualitative Data Analysis
A practical how-to

Key themes
3 simple steps
Some concepts first:
Grounded theory
Induction: what is it?
Step 1: Reduction
Open-sort
Closed-sort
Software tools
Step 2: Visualization
Step 3: Conclusions

Qualitative Data Analysis: 3 Simple Steps

What is grounded theory?
“theory derived from systematically gathered data, arising through the research process” (Strauss & Corbin, 1998: 12).

Outcomes of Grounded Theory

Induction versus deduction
Libraries are built for quiet.
Therefore…
People sleep in the library.
Deduction
People sleep in the library.
Therefore…
Libraries are a place of refuge.
Induction

Step 1a: The “open sort”
Write themes on post-its
Sort them into categories
Name the categories
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=rzinDOELYjA

Step 1a: open sort example
Category
Sub-category
Concept
Thanks to Ned Richards of the UK for the permission to use this photo

Step 1b: The “closed sort”
Start with categories
Write themes on post-its
Sort themes into pre-determined categories

Software tool: NVivo
Category
Concept

Step 2: Visualization I

Step 3: Conclusion Drawing
Hunt for patterns
Seek out exceptions and ask why?
Use reversal: if it wasn’t this way, what would happen?
Always ask, so what?

Copernicus ConsultingDesign research and strategy
http://copernicusconsulting.net