What Do the Qualitative Data Mean?
Kristen L. Mauk
14.1 Qualitative Data Analysis
At the end of this section, you will be able to:
‹ Compare and contrast ways that qualitative data are analyzed
‹ Discuss the benefits of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software to assist
with managing qualitative dataWhat Is Qualitative Data Analysis?
Qualitative data analysis is a much less straightforward process than quantitative data analysis is. Using
words versus numbers to explain phenomena is both more subjective and more labor intensive. Qualita-
tive data analysis has been described as being “directed by few standardized guidelines” (Polit & Beck,
2012), and there are many acceptable methods to analyze the data. Sandelowski (1995) pointed out that
although data analysis and interpretation often occur simultaneously in qualitative research, they should
be considered distinct processes. “Qualitative analysis is a means to knowledge production” (Sandelowski,
1995, p. 373) that involves the breakdown, categorization, and prioritization of data into a useful system.
She described data analysis as having two major parts: getting a sense of the whole and developing a sys-
tem. According to Strauss and Corbin (1998), data analysis is “the process of breaking down, examining,
comparing, conceptualizing, and categorizing data” (p. 57). Bogdan and Biklen (2006) described data
analysis in two stages: analysis (systematically arranging the data) and interpretation.
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