Qualitative Research: An Introduction to Methods and Designs

Data Analysis

Analytic decisions are generally made based on the research questions, the study model, and the types of data collected. Analysis of qualitative data progresses through classification of ideas, themes, topics, activities, types of people, and other categories relevant to the study. This process is referred to as coding. Coding involves the classification of elements in text data into categories that are related to the study topic and are useful in analysis. Corbin and Strauss (2008) discuss different types of coding categories, ranging from more concrete to more abstract and conceptual. These coding categories are created and refined as the researcher builds smaller units into larger domains. The researcher examines and describes ...