In a more recent work, Sandelowski, Leeman, Knafl, and Crandell (2013)
proposed a new method of data analysis and interpretation called data extraction.
Sandelowski and colleagues summarized this method by stating that “findings
are transformed into portable statements that anchor results to relevant informa-
tion about sample, source of information, time, comparative reference point,
magnitude and significance and study-specific conceptions of phenomena”
(p. 1428). This method allows for a more accurate contextual view of the data.
It is always best to try to use the language of the participants for formulating
labels for codes, themes, or patterns. Qualitative researchers, in efforts to remain
true to the data, select words that reflect the participants’ language and ideas,
even often using those native terms as key labels for the data. For example, in
Easton’s (2001) stroke survivor study, a major subconcept early in the stroke
recovery process was labeled the mirage of recovery, using a term coined by Veith
(1988), an author of one of the books used in the theoretical development for
the framework of the study. Veith used this term in reference to the optimistic
and unrealistic assurances given to her by physicians that she would recover
from her stroke with no residual effects. The quotations in Box 14-1 are direct
quotes from face-to-face interviews with stroke survivors whose average time
at the interview since their stroke was 5 years. Do these quotes illustrate any
similar ideas that may have supported Easton’s label of the mirage of recovery?
Computer Software
Software can assist researchers in managing qualitative data. Just as statistical
software helps to manage and manipulate numbers, software for qualitative data
“I always expected it to go away.”
“I didn’t think it was going to be very bad. I thought it was just going to be a mild stroke. . ..
I thought I’d be recovered before I went home.”
“Even after 3 years, I can’t help but believe that, eh, your, that’s always a little progress . . . and
I can’t help but believe that it’s all gonna go away.”
“I always thought I would [recover]. I had a feeling that if I tried hard enough, I could beat it.”
“I had a neurologist tell me, he said 6 weeks . . . but then . . . he [another doctor] said 9 months.”
“He [the doctor] said that this was all on the left side, and I should have complete recovery, that’s
what he said.”Reproduced from Easton, K.L. (1999). The Post-stroke journey: From agonizing to owning. Geriatric
Nursing, 20(2), 70–76. Copyright 1999, with permission from Elsevier. http://www.elsevier.comBOX 14-1 Quotes from Stroke Survivors
14.1 Qualitative Data Analysis 383