WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR DATA Robynn Battle

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR DATA Robynn Battle, MPH, Ed. D Holy Names University

ANALYZING QUALITATIVE DATA “Content analysis” steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. Transcribe data (if audio taped) Read write-up summaries Code text according to codes/themes Interpret & Describe these patterns

1. TRANSCRIBE DATA 1. We are not expecting you to “transcribe” the data, but rather do a write-up summary. 2. You will use these summaries to read through for themes and to code. 3. See the attached document titled “INTEVIEW_SUMMARIES -THSIS” as an example of a write-up summary from someone doing a series of interviews for their thesis. a) Your summaries may be longer, but this is generally how it is done.

2. READ WRITE-UP SUMMARIES 1. At this phase you want to read through to start looking for themes to code… that is certain sentences and pieces of sentences fall under a certain category. 2. Codes can be developed after reading a few summaries and then you use the SAME codes to continue “coding” the rest of your summaries. 3. The next two PPT slides give you an example of how codes are developed.

CANDY, CANDY!!!

HOW DID YOU CODE THE CANDY? !? ! How to Categorize • Categories Color • Colors Texture • Bright Shape • Shades Size • Textures Brand • Smooth Toppings • Coated Packaging • Rough Flavor • Flavors • Sweet • Sour • Spicy • Chocolate

1. 3. CODE TEXT ACCORDING TO CODES/THEMES used the Highlighting tool Look at the following three and COMMENTS to code. slides… 5. The third slide is done in a 2. See how on the side, free online program called there are “codes” which Saturateapps, where once help define the “category” your codes are entered they are in. you code the rest of your 3. The first slide is done by summaries using the code. “hand”… that is the You simply highlight the researcher has WRITTEN text you want and drag the code next to the word code to text. in the text. 4. The second slide is done in MSWord where they

Hand coding qualitative data

4. INTERPRET & DESCRIBE THESE PATTERNS 1. Once you have coded the data, you look across the codes for “patterns. ” • So for example, in the Dedoose slide, you would call up ALL the text that fell under “READING FREQUENCY. ” 2. Next you would read all of the information that came up under “READING FREQUENCY” and then describe in writing what you found. 3. This is writing is the “Results” from your qualitative data. 4. See “EXAMPLE OF QUALITATIVE RESULTS WRITTEN UP” for an example of written up qualitative results in Canvas. The example is longer than what you will have, but serves as a good example. 5. In your Methods sections under the “Data Analysis” you will need to describe the organizing style you used to develop your codes. The following slide will help you determine which style you used.

Three Idealized Qualitative Data Analysis Strategies or “Organizing Styles” Template OR A Priori Researcher enters text with classification scheme; uses codes or categories to interact with text; codes can derive from multiple sources (e. g. , literature, prior research, etc. ); additional codes can emerge and old ones can change based on interaction with text; code manual is open to revision throughout analytic process. Editing Researcher enters text without classification scheme but develops one later; identifies codes or categories through direct interaction with text; code manual created after entering text and results from ongoing interaction with text.