A thematic analysis can also be used to conduct analysis of the qualitative data in some types of case study. The primary tool for conducting the analysis of data when using the generic qualitative inquiry approach is thematic analysis, a flexible analytic method for deriving the central themes from verbal data. Data Analysis in Generic Qualitative Inquiry: Thematic Analysis Now let's look specifically at generic qualitative inquiry. These tasks are done in all forms of qualitative analysis. Don't force it-allow the participants' words to speak to you. When ready to begin, read all the transcripts repeatedly-at least three times-for a sense of the whole.Arrange secure passwords or other protection for all electronic data and copies.Working copies will be marked up, torn apart, and used heavily: make plenty.

Master copies should be kept securely with the original data.

Make master copies and working copies of all materials.Transcribe interviews or otherwise transform raw data into usable formats.Storage should be secure and guaranteed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the participants' information and identities. Arrange for secure storage of original materials.In all the approaches-case study, grounded theory, generic inquiry, and phenomenology-there are preliminary tasks that must be performed prior to the analysis itself. Preliminary Tasks in Analysis in all Methods Because it is the basic or foundational method, we'll take it first. Thematic analysis is the starting point for the other five, and the endpoint for generic qualitative inquiry. Generic qualitative inquiry-thematic analysis, which is really a foundation for all the other analytic methods.Heuristics-patterns, themes, and creative synthesis along with individual portraits.Phenomenology-describes textures and structures of the essential meaning of the lived experience of the phenomenon.Grounded theory-uses open, axial, and selective coding (although recent writers are proposing variations on those basic analysis methods).Case study-uses description, categorical aggregation, or direct interpretation.Ethnography-uses modified thematic analysis and life histories.Terms Used in Data Analysis by the Six DesignsĮach qualitative research approach or design has its own terms for methods of data analysis: Identify and apply the methods required by your selected design.Understand the basic analytic methods used by the respective qualitative designs.

Recognize the data preparation tasks that precede actual analysis in all the designs.Recognize the terms for data analysis methods used in the various acceptable designs.ObjectivesĪfter reviewing the information in this document, you will be able to: In the following, we will discuss basic approaches to analyzing data in all six of the acceptable qualitative designs.

Case study data analysis methods