Qualitative dissertation consulting at Statistics Solutions leverages advanced tools like NVIVO, MAXQDA, and our proprietary Intellectus Qualitative. Intellectus Qualitative assists in identifying significant excerpts, establishing relevant codes and themes, and comprehensively thematizing qualitative data. Our experts at Statistics Solutions are equipped to guide you through this meticulous process, enhancing the efficiency and depth of your analysis.
Goal of Qualitative Data Analysis
The primary objective of qualitative data analysis is to unearth themes that not only provide insights into the data set but also offer generalizable knowledge applicable to broader contexts. For instance, the identification of recurring symptoms among depressed individuals—such as diminished appetite, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia—can be systematically coded. Excerpts like “I used to enjoy biking, but now I lack the enthusiasm,” or “We used to make large breakfasts, but now my appetite has diminished significantly,” illustrate these codes. These insights can be aggregated into a robust theme named “Depression,” which can subsequently aid healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating affected individuals.
Thematic Analysis: A Structured Approach
While there are numerous methods to perform thematic analysis, the following steps outline a practical approach utilizing Intellectus Qualitative tools:
1. Initial Reading: Thoroughly read and re-read your interview transcripts. Make detailed memos and notes throughout this initial phase.
2. Data Upload: Import your transcripts into the Intellectus Qualitative tool.
3. Automatic Coding:
3a: Use the Auto-code feature to efficiently excerpt and code your data.
3b: Review the excerpts, codes, and descriptions to ensure they align with your research questions and objectives.
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4. Theme Development:
Examine which codes may be logically merged to form broader themes. Utilize the ‘Create Themes using AI’ feature to suggest cohesive theme names and descriptions based on the endorsed codes.
5. Quality Control:
Navigate to the Insights tab to generate kappa coefficients for each theme. A kappa value below 0.60 warrants a thorough review to confirm alignment among excerpts, codes, and themes. Adjustments should be made as necessary to enhance coherence and consistency, followed by a recalculation of kappa.
6. Reporting:
Use the Insights tab to detail each theme. This includes documenting the theme name, description, associated codes, and supporting excerpts.
7. Documentation:
Download the analysis in an editable Word document format for any final adjustments and to prepare for submission or presentation.
By following these steps, students, faculty, and researchers can ensure a rigorous and insightful qualitative analysis, driving meaningful conclusions and recommendations in their academic and professional pursuits.
Qualitative Methods Resources
Bryman, A. E. (2007). Qualitative research 2. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W. (1998). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Easterby-Smith, M., Golden-Biddle, K., & Locke, K. (2008). Working with pluralism: Determining quality in qualitative research. Organizational Research Methods, 11(3), 419-429.
Esterberg, K. G. (2001). Qualitative methods in social research. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Kroger, J. (2007). Identity formation: Qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry. In M. Watzlawik & A. Born (Eds.), Capturing identity: Quantitative and qualitative methods (pp. 179-196). Lanham, MD: University Press of America.
Madill, A., & Gough, B. (2008). Qualitative research and its place in psychological science. Psychological Methods, 13(3), 254-271.
Maxwell, J. A. (2004). Using qualitative methods for causal explanation. Field Methods, 16(3), 243-264.
McNabb, D. E. (2002). Research methods in public administration and nonprofit management: Quantitative and qualitative approaches. New York: M. E. Sharpe, Inc.
Patton, M. Q. (1987). How to use qualitative methods in evaluation. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Pratt, M. G. (2008). Fitting oval pegs into round holes: Tensions in evaluating and publishing qualitative research in top-tier North American journals. Organizational Research Methods, 11(3), 481-509.
Silverman, D. (2005). Doing qualitative research: A practical handbook (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Silverman, D. (2006). Interpreting qualitative data: Methods for analyzing talk, text and interaction (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Statistics Solutions is experienced in assisting graduate students with their qualitative results chapter. From thematization to reliability, we know how to analyze your transcripts and report the content analysis findings. Our dissertation analysis and consulting help can include: