A Practical Iterative Framework for Qualitative Data Analysis

Abstract

The role of iteration in qualitative data analysis, not as a repetitive mechanical task but as a reflexive process, is key to sparking insight and developing meaning. In this paper the authors presents a simple framework for qualitative data analysis comprising three iterative questions. The authors developed it to analyze qualitative data and to engage with the process of continuous meaning-making and progressive focusing inherent to analysis processes. They briefly present the framework and locate it within a more general discussion on analytic reflexivity. They then highlight its usefulness, particularly for newer researchers, by showing practical applications of the framework in two very different studies.

‘Unthinkable’ Selves: Identity boundary work in a summer field ecology enrichment program for diverse youth

“…to engage in identity boundary work). The themes youth discussed aligned well with the themes we identified in the video analysis, which enhanced our finding's crystallization, resonance, rigor, and credibility (Srivastava & Hopwood, 2009;Tracy,2010).…”

A blended learning approach for teaching computer programming: design for large classes in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…Data from students' reflective journals were analysed through coding procedures from grounded theory: concepts in the data were identified and named, and then grouped at a more abstract level into categories applying the constant comparison methods from Glaser and Strauss (1967). We supplemented the emerging result with content analysis of textual data from the researcher's memos and transcriptions of the expert panel and participant meetings, as recommended by Elo and Kyngäs (2008) and Srivastava and Hopwood (2009). Through memoing during coding, the process eventually developed in abstraction to find relationships between the categories identified, and finally a story (or core category) was developed as a generalised relationship.…”

Narratives of Sick Leave, Return to Work and Job Mobility for People with Common Mental Disorders in Sweden

“…The analysis was therefore carried out as a qualitative text analysis based on the interview transcripts. The material was interpreted with support from concepts derived from the theoretical framework, and analyzed through an iterative process [27] where the developing categorization was influenced by the empirical findings as well as previous conceptualizations.…”