Qualitative Data Analysis: Practical Strategies

Written by an experienced researcher in the field of qualitative methods, this dynamic new book provides a definitive introduction to analysing qualitative data. It is a clear, accessible and practical guide to each stage of the process, including: - Designing and managing qualitative data for analysis - Working with data through interpretive, comparative, pattern and relational analyses - Developing explanatory theory and coherent conclusions, based on qualitative data. The book pairs theoretical discussion with practical advice using a host of examples from diverse projects across the social sciences. It describes data analysis strategies in actionable steps and helpfully links to the use of computer software where relevant. This is an exciting new addition to the literature on qualitative data analysis and a must-read for anyone who has collected, or is preparing to collect, their own data.

Table of Contents:
PART ONE: PREPARING THE WAY: LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR ANALYSIS Foundations for Thinking and Working Qualitatively Thinking Qualitatively Thinking Methods (and methodology) Working Qualitatively Working Qualitatively - Using Software Foundations for Working Qualitatively Working Qualitatively: Implications for Analysis Writing About Foundations Exercises Further Reading Designing for Analysis Design-giving Form to Ideas Focusing the Study Designing for Data That Can Be Analysed Planning for Quality and Credibility of Conclusions Putting It All Together Writing About Design Exercises Further reading Managing and Preparing Data for Analysis Before Data Collection Keeping Organised, Available and Usable Data Records Recording and Preparing Data for Analysis The Importance of Context Recording Sample Details for Analysis Checks and Balances for Data Managing Relationships in the Research Team Writing About Data Management Exercises PART TWO: WORKING WITH DATA: A PATHWAY INTO ANALYSIS Read, Reflect and Connect: Initial Explorations of Data Read, and Read Again Write As You Read Purposeful Play-preliminary Explorations of Each Data Source Explore the Storylines Exploring Context Identify Relevant Categories and Concepts Involving Participants in Early Analysis Re-focus, Ready For the Next Phase Writing About Preliminary Analysis Exercises Further reading Codes and Coding: Principles and Practice Using Codes to Work With Data Practical Tools for Coding Methods Decisions in Coding Issues of Validity and Reliability in Coding Managing the Process of Coding A Final Reminder - Codes and Coding in Context Writing About Coding Processes Exercise Further reading Naming, Organizing and Refining Codes What′s in a Name? Naming Broad Topic Areas Naming Codes to Capture Substance and Meaning Automating Coding Developing a Coding System Reviewing and Refining Codes and the Coding Structure Writing About Codes Exercise - Generating Codes Further Reading Alternative Approaches to Breaking Open and Connecting Data Building on Cases Themes as an Alternative to Codes? Focus on Interaction - Working With Focus Group Data Focus on Stories and Accounts - Identifying Structure, Interpreting Meaning Focus on Discourse - The Intersubjective Space The Value of Case-based Approaches Writing About Your Use of Case-based, Thematic and Narrative Methods Exercises Further Reading PART THREE: DESCRIBE, COMPARE AND RELATE: MOVING ON FROM CODES AND THEMES Describing, Evolving and Theorizing Concepts Describing Categories and Concepts (or themes) as a Step in Analysis Evolving Concepts with Analytic, Meta- or Pattern Codes Theorising Concepts Writing About Describing and Analysing Concepts Exercises Further Reading Comparative Analyses as a Means of Furthering Analysis Why Compare? The Comparative Process Managing Data to Make Subgroup, Contextual or Case Comparisons Comparing Concepts or Categories Across Groups or Situations Comparing Cases Interpreting Comparative Analyses Writing About Comparisons Exercises Further Reading Relational Analyses Coding and Connecting Working Together Investigating Relational Patterns Cross-case Analyses Identifying Patterns of Association Between Sets of Related Phenomena, Using Coded Data Relating Data to a Theoretical Model Investigating Relationships Between Specific Categories and Concepts Writing About Exploring and Testing Relationships in Data Exercises Further Reading PART FOUR: BRINGING IT TOGETHER - MOVING TOWARD CLIMAX AND CLOSURE If… Then… Is It Because? Developing Explanatory Models and Theories Analytic Progression Explanatory Theory as a Goal of Research Foundations for Explanatory Theory Logic-based Questioning - Finding the Major Premise Puzzle-solving with "Conjectures and Refutations" Case-based Strategies Theoretical Development and Integration in Grounded Theory Visual Tools for Theory-Building Writing About Your Developing Theory Further Reading Developing Coherent Understanding Coherent Understanding? Coherence Through Description Theoretical Coherence Coherence Through Display A Collection of Tips and Tricks for Bringing it Together Writing About Developing Coherence Further Reading Defending and Extending: Issues of Quality and Significance The Issue of Quality Generalisation / Transferability Theoretical Extension Audiences and Representation A Final Reflection Writing About Quality and Significance Exercises Further Reading After-Words

About the Author :
Pat Bazeley is Director of Research Support P/L and Adjunct Professor in the Translational Research and Social Innovation Centre at Western Sydney University. Since graduating in psychology, she has worked in community development, as an evaluation researcher, and in academic research development. For almost 30 years Pat has been providing research training and project consulting to academics, graduate students and practitioners representing a wide range of disciplines across Australia and internationally. Her particular expertise is in helping researchers to make sense of qualitative, survey, and mixed methods data, and to use computer programs for management and analysis of data. Pat’s research has focused on qualitative and mixed methods data analysis, the development and performance of researchers, and the wellbeing of older women. She has published books, chapters, and articles on mixed methods and qualitative data analysis. She serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Mixed Methods Research and was 2015–2016 President of the Mixed Methods International Research Association.

Review :
Pat Bazeley has achieved the almost impossible task of preparing a text that is essential for both new and experienced qualitative researchers, and one that will challenge and enlighten both audiences. This remarkably comprehensive book will most certainly move qualitative inquiry forward. Janice Morse College Of Nursing, University of Utah This is one of the most insightful books ever written on qualitative data analysis, and certainly the most detailed and comprehensive. Pat Bazeley has done a magnificent job of both covering recent developments, and providing a user-friendly presentation with numerous examples. This will be an indispensable resource for qualitative researchers. Joseph Maxwell Graduate School of Education, George Mason University Pat Bazeley has produced what is sure to become a core text for those working with qualitative data. She covers the whole process from first ideas through to explanatory models and theories without restricting her coverage to just one software package. This excellent book is a thorough and entertaining resource that will be of use to both the novice and the more experienced researcher. Richard Freeman Doctoral School, Institute of Education, University of London   ′Pat Bazeley′s book advances the procedures of qualitative data coding and analysis. Her work provides a highly accessible framework for both new and seasoned researchers to consider in the analysis of interview, survey, photo and video data collected in qualitative studies. This text would be a great addition to a graduate level course in qualitative research. SAGE once again demonstrates it is a reliable source of academic and discipline-specific texts, as evidenced by Pat Bazeley’s newest work in the field′ This is an amazing contribution to qualitative data analysis, it is a very thorough and scholarly book. I use it as the course text for my teaching, and as I dip in and out of your book I continue to be impressed. I actually think it stands in its own right as the best, most comprehensive book on qualitative data analysis.