Qualitative data analysis techniques and approaches - a discussion agenda

Here is an agenda for discussion of Qualitative Data Analysis techniques and approaches, based on Saunders et al. (2009):

1. A comparison between qualitative data and quantitative data (re: Table 13.1 of Saunders et al. (2009; chapter 13, pg.  482).
2. Data preparation
• Data transcription
• Electronic textual data handling
• The interactive nature of the process
3. Qualitative  analysis approaches:
• Deductive vs inductive
• Unstructured vs  structured
• Interpretative  vs formalised
4. Effort types:
• Summarize data
• Categorize data
• Unitise data
• Seek relationships
• Develop categories
• Formulate testable propositions
• Quantify qualitative data
• Structure data with narrative
• Deductive efforts in the forms of (i) pattern matching, (ii) explanation building
• Inductive efforts in the forms of (i) data display & analysis, (ii) template analysis, (iii) analytic induction, (iv) grounded theory, (v) discourse analysis
5. Analysis aids
• Summaries
• Memos
• Diary
• Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) programs

The topic of Qualitative Data Analysis is broad and deep; I suggest you to study Saunders et al. (2009; Chapter 13) for a start to learn it.




Reference
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2009) "Chapter 13: Analysing qualitative data", Research methods for business students, Prentice Hall.