The uses of qualitative data in multimethodology: Developing causal loop diagrams during the coding process

Abstract

-In this research note we describe a method for exploring the creation of causal loop diagrams (CLDs) from the coding trees developed through a grounded theory approach and using computer aided qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). The theoretical background to the approach is multimethodology, in line with Minger's description of paradigm crossing and is appropriately situated within the Appreciate and Analyse phases of PSM intervention. The practical use of this method has been explored and three case studies are presented from the domains of organisational change and entrepreneurial studies. The value of this method is twofold; i) it has the potential to improve dynamic sensibility in the process of qualitative data analysis, and ii) it can provide a more rigorous approach to developing CLDs in the formation stage of system dynamics modelling. We propose that the further development of this method requires its implementation within CAQDAS packages so that CLD creation, as a precursor to full system dynamics modelling, is contemporaneous with coding and consistent with a bridging strategy of paradigm crossing.Keywords-multimethodology; paradigm crossing; qualitative data analysis; causal loop diagrams (CLDs); computer aided qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS); problem structuring methods (PSMs)

Unpacking multimethodology: Impacts of a community development intervention

“…The former is concerned with the feasibility of mixing methodologies from different paradigms -namely, the commensurability versus incommensurability debate -(e.g. Eden, Ackermann, Bryson, Richardson, & Andersen, 2009;Jackson, 2009;Kotiadis & Mingers, 2006;Mingers, 1997;Zhu, 2011); whereas the latter relates to the different ways in which specific methodologies, methods and tools are actually mixed in organisational interventions (Brown, Cooper, & Pidd, 2006;Ferreira, 2013;Franco & Lord, 2011;Gondal, 2004;Ormerod, 2001;Pollack, 2009;Small & Wainwright, 2014;Sørensen, Vidal, & Engstrom, 2004;Tako & Kotiadis, 2015;Williams, Ackermann, & Eden, 2003;Yearworth & White, 2013).…”

Using Textual Data in System Dynamics Model Conceptualization

“…Still, our approach uses a CAQDAS so that the references from the final causal diagram to the data sources can be maintained, as in the approach of Yearworth and White [22]. To better explain the deviations from Kim and Andersen's method, we use the framework introduced by Turner, Kim and Andersen [21], which identifies six research design dimensions important in forming an alternative coding approach.…”

“…Given this abundance of data, a thorough but quick analysis of it becomes vitally important to obtain useful information. The matrix query run by Yearworth and White [22] to identify causal relationships is a preliminary step in incorporating such analysis techniques to model conceptualization. Automated techniques are not expected to identify causal relationships completely, yet they can be employed further to assist the coder and modeler to make faster use of large amounts of textual data.…”

“…Another method to develop causal loop diagrams based on textual data has been introduced by Yearworth and White [22]. This method relies on the use of a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) to maintain the links between the resulting causal relations and the data source.…”

An Integrated Participatory Systems Modelling Approach: Application to Construction Innovation

“…Grounded theory (GT): GT approach relies heavily on qualitative data analysis based on 'coding' of textual data [21,22] that can be collected through interviews with stakeholders as well as can be retrieved from transcriptions of different-sourced interviews, observations, memoranda, or any kind of textual data. The process of transforming the data into model insights consists of a set of techniques from the identification of categories or concepts across the texts to linking them to explicit meaningful theories.…”