Meet the Authors: Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Data

Qualitative data analysis is a way of creating insight and empathy. Strategies for data analysis and interpretation are tools for meaning-making and knowledge-creation. The co-editors argue taking the time to engage with data pays off. Skillful data analysis at the start of the project may open unexpected opportunities for interpretation later in the investigation. By carefully planning for analysis; sensitively and sympathetically transcribing their interviews; intentionally coding and categorizing their transcripts and video tapes; and by writing memos throughout their inquiries qualitative researchers can successfully communicate what they learned from their interviews and other forms of fieldwork. Better data analysis creates the opportunity to produce better books, papers, performances, artwork, and comics.

In this MethodSpace interview, the co-editors of the new book Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Research: After the Interview discuss their approach to analyzing and interpreting qualitive research. I asked Charles Vanover, Paul Mihas, and Johnny Saldaña to discuss what is unique about data analysis in qualitative studies and to discuss what researchers might do to plan an effective qualitative data analysis strategy. The three co-editors also describe what is unique about their book and share ideas from their favorite chapters. If you want to learn more, you can use the code MSPACEQ323 for a 20% discount on a purchase of the book, through September 2023.

Book Description

Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Research: After the Interview provides readers with guidance and methods for transcribing, analyzing, and interpreting interview data. The book’s goal is to provide a how-to guide for using data through the qualitative life cycle from the conclusion of substantial fieldwork to the beginning of formal research writing. Each chapter discusses critical issues in the analysis and interpretation of qualitative research.

After the Interview is a co-edited collection of separately authored chapters intended to provide novice and seasoned researchers with pragmatic, how-to strategies for the following topics:

Data and Conceptual Options
Interview Transcription Strategies
Strategies for Coding and Categorizing Data
Reflection and Analytic Memo Strategies
Interpretation Strategies
Arts-Based Practices
Write-up Strategies

Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Research: After the Interview walks readers through key decision-making points in the analytic process. We describe how to develop a plan of action and then moving through methods for framing, data management, and transcription. The book provides a how-to guide for engaging analytically with data, and describes many strategies for coding, categorizing, and memo writing. The book concludes by discussing methods and practices for interpretation and writing to help the reader move beyond description and identify thematic and synthesized insights. Chapter contributors share pragmatic strategies on what they have learned from doing the analysis.