Analysing and presenting qualitative data

Abstract

• Analysing and presenting qualitative data is one of the most confusing aspects of qualitative research.• This paper provides a pragmatic approach using a form of thematic content analysis. Approaches to presenting qualitative data are also discussed.• The process of qualitative data analysis is labour intensive and time consuming. Those who are unsure about this approach should seek appropriate advice. I N B R I E F PRACTICEThis paper provides a pragmatic approach to analysing qualitative data, using actual data from a qualitative dental public health study for demonstration purposes. The paper also critically explores how computers can be used to facilitate this process, the debate about the verification (validation) of qualitative analyses and how to write up and present qualitative research studies.

Preparing for the future: challenges and opportunities for management and leadership skills

“…Initially interview transcripts were categorized and coded into broad themes through an in-depth analysis. 35 Following the identification of broad themes from the initial data set, when nothing new was emerging from the data four additional interviews were conducted and coded against the same framework. Themes and sub themes were then reviewed and refined until the final thematic headings were agreed by both members of the research team.…”

“…Furthermore the quality of the research is dependent on the skills of the researchers. [35][36] The use of a rigorous method of data collection and analysis was an important quality control. Having one member of the research team responsible for data collection and initial analysis who was unknown to the dental community (but with a background in education and management research) also helped to reduce potential bias.…”

Lived experiences of routine antenatal dietetic services among women with obesity: A qualitative phenomenological study

“…Towards the end of each interview, women were asked to summarise what they considered the most important issues to be in order to ensure that appropriate emphasis was placed on their experiences during the analysis. An interpretive analytical approach was employed, using thematic content analysis (Burnard et al, 2008) to identify and interpret themes which emerged from the data. The results are presented in themes, with verbatim quotes from participants in italics.…”

A qualitative investigation of the views of primary care dentists on participating in prospective studies in the North-West of England

“…19 Once approved, two of the researchers [LH, LM] immersed themselves in the data by initially reading and re-reading the transcriptions in conjunction with the field notes taken at the time of the interviews. The highlighted phrases were then compared 20 and once agreement had been reached the coding frame was formed.…”