Qualitative Data Analysis

Data Literacy

Qualitative Data Analysis

What is Qualitative Data?

  • Non-numeric data
  • Descriptive data
  • Subjective data
  • Text, images, audio, video

How is Qualitative analysis similar/different from Quantitative Analysis?

  • What do you think?

Qualitative Data examples

  • Interview transcripts
  • Survey responses (open-ended)
  • Field notes
  • Diary entries
  • Newspaper articles

Qualitative Data Goals

  • Understand Relationships
  • Find Patterns.
  • Describe ways of thinking.

How does this compare to Quantitative Analysis?

  • What do you think?
  • Similarities: Understand Relationships, find patterns.
  • Differences: Describe ways of thinking, but do not predict.

Finding Meaning in Language

  • How are certain words being used?
    • Are those words being used in a positive or negative way?
  • What are the meanings of stories to the subject?
  • Are there differences in the meaning of words between different groups?

How do we analyze Qualitative Data?

  • Coding: Assigning labels to data
  • Themes: Grouping codes into categories
  • Narratives: Telling a story with the data

Practice Coding Qualitative Data: The COVID-19 Experience

COVID-19 Experience: Response 1

  • “The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for me. Initially, the sudden shift to remote work was difficult to adapt to, and I felt isolated from my colleagues. However, over time, I found new ways to stay connected through virtual meetings and online social events. On a positive note, I was able to spend more time with my family and focus on personal hobbies that I had neglected before. Overall, it has been a mix of struggles and growth.”

COVID-19 Experience: Response 1 (continued)

  • Difficult/negative/struggle
  • Remote work
  • More time with family
  • Mixture of good and bad

COVID-19 Experience: Response 2

  • “My experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has been quite stressful. The uncertainty and constant changes in regulations made it hard to plan anything. I also faced financial difficulties due to reduced work hours and job insecurity. On the emotional front, the lack of social interaction took a toll on my mental health. Despite these challenges, I tried to stay positive by engaging in online courses and learning new skills.”

COVID-19 Experience: Response 2 (continued)

  • Difficult/negative/struggle.
  • Regulations.
  • Financial difficulties.
  • Mental health problems.

COVID-19 Experience: Response 3

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a transformative period for me. While it was initially overwhelming to deal with the health risks and the lockdowns, I used this time to reflect on my priorities. I started practicing mindfulness and meditation, which helped me cope with anxiety. Additionally, I volunteered for community support initiatives, which gave me a sense of purpose and connection. This period has taught me resilience and the importance of mental well-being.”

COVID-19 Experience: Response 3 (continued)

  • Transformative/positive.
  • Mental Health problems.
  • Community support.
  • Improvement.

Organizing Themes

  • Transformative/positive.
    • response 3
  • Mental Health problems.
    • response 2, response 3
  • Community support.
    • response 3
  • Improvement
    • response 3
  • Difficult/negative/struggle.
    • response 1, response 2
  • Regulations.
    • response 2
  • Financial difficulties.
    • response 2
  • Remote work
  • More time with family
    • response 1
  • Mixture of good and bad
    • response 1

Care with codeing Qualitative Data

  • Constistency
  • Avoid Bias: Cannot ignore specific responses
  • Consider context of the data
    • Who is writing/responding?
    • What is their motivations?
    • What is the context of the text/response?
    • Why might they be saying this?

Tools to help us work with this data

  • NVivo
  • Atlas.ti
  • Databases