The wide range of approaches to data analysis in qualitative research can seem daunting even for experienced researchers. This handbook is the first to provide a state-of-the art overview of the whole field of QDA; from general analytic strategies used in qualitative research, to approaches specific to particular types of qualitative data, including talk, text, sounds, images and virtual data. The handbook includes chapters on traditional analytic strategies such as grounded theory, content analysis, hermeneutics, phenomenology and narrative analysis, as well as coverage of newer trends like mixed methods, reanalysis and meta-analysis. Practical aspects such as sampling, transcription, working collaboratively, writing and implementation are given close attention, as are theory and theorization, reflexivity, and ethics. Written by a team of experts in qualitative research from around the world, this handbook is an essential compendium for all qualitative researchers and students across the social sciences.

Mapping the Field

Mapping the field
Uwe Flick

Data analysis is the central step in qualitative research. Whatever the data are, it is their analysis that, in a decisive way, forms the outcomes of the research. Sometimes, data collection is limited to recording and documenting naturally occurring phenomena, for example by recording interactions. Then qualitative research is concentrated on analysing such recordings. Given the centrality of the analysis in qualitative research, in general, a kind of stocktaking of the various approaches to qualitative analysis and of the challenges it faces seems necessary. Anyone interested in the current state and development of qualitative data analysis will find a field which is constantly growing and becoming less structured. There are many changes which have evolved in parallel, ...

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