Analysing Qualitative Data (Module 2)

Session summary

This session will consider and discuss a range of issues relative to the micro-analysis of qualitative data. Using example data throughout, issues covered will include the analyst's perspective (the aims and nature of their engagement with the data), coding systems, how to choose extracts for analysis in a systematic fashion, the meaning and importance of interpretation, generalizing from qualitative findings and various write-up issues, including the relationship between the analysis and discussion sections of a qualitative report and the creation of impact.

Indicative Feedback for this Session

Thanks Simon - you excelled yourself…I've never heard so much sense talked about qualitative analysis in my life (Bath Spa).

As the rest of your sessions were…excellent. I really didn’t know the difference between a theme, an analysis, and a finding. I do now (West of Scotland).

I have just listened through your session and I want to say a big thank you as I have found it very informative. I…was really feeling as if I was 'making it up as I went along'…but your session has really helped to put it all into perspective. I was also very interested in your thoughts about analysis and discussion. It was very clear and logical in approach, just what I needed - thank you (Greenwich).

Another amazing session Simon, thank you. You are great at unpicking in detail what my supervisors assume I know! This has been great (Bournemouth).

Thanks Simon, very practical session breaking down what many of the ‘head melting’ text books try to explain...very understandable and practical content (Ulster).

This session has allowed me to rethink how I will go about the analysis process in order to make the process easier on me…The session also allayed my fears about the idea of generalisation and how I can use my [data] extracts effectively to achieve ‘quality’ (Goldsmiths).