Analysis and Representation

Abstract

A nalyzing text and multiple other forms of data presents a challenging task for qualitative researchers. Deciding how to represent the data in tables, matrices, and narrative form adds to the challenge. Often qualitative researchers equate data analysis with approaches for analyzing text and image data. The process of analysis is much more. It also involves organizing the data, conducting a preliminary read-through of the database, coding and organizing themes, representing the data, and forming an interpretation of them. These steps are interconnected and form a spiral of activities all related to the analysis and representation of the data. Computers can assist in qualitative data analysis because the programs facilitate tasks-usually making them easier and faster to complete over time, but they are not necessary for completion. Patton (2015) notes the role of software in the process of analysis, saying while "many swear by it because it can offer leaps in productivity for those adept at it, using software is not a requisite for qualitative analysis. Whether you do or do not use software, the real analytical work takes place in your head" (p. 530-531). In this chapter, we begin with a review of key ethical issues to anticipate during data analysis and representation processes followed by a summary of three general approaches to analysis so that we can see how leading authors follow similar processes as well as different ones. We then present a visual model-a data analysis