Qualitative Data Analysis: Handout Miles, M. B. & Huberman, A. M. (1984). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Sourcebook of New Methods. California; SAGE publications Inc. p. 15 Qualitative data are attractive. They are a source of well-grounded, rich descriptions and explanations of processes occurring in local contexts. With qualitative data one can preserve the chronological flow, assess local causality, and derive fruitful explanations. … they help researchers go beyond initial preconceptions and frameworks. Finally, the findings from qualitative studies have a quality of “undeniability,” as Smith (1978) has put it. p. 21 Data reduction: the process of selecting, focusing, simplifying, abstracting, and transforming the ‘raw’ data that appear in written-up field notes. Data reduction occurs continuously throughout the life of any qualitatively oriented project. This is part of analysis. Data Display: The second major flow of analysis activity is data display. A ‘display’ is an organized assembly of information that permits conclusion drawing and action taking. The most frequent form of display for qualitative data has been narrative text. p. 22 Conclusion Drawing/Verification: The third stream of analysis activity is conclusion drawing and verification. From the beginning of data collection, the qualitative analyst is beginning to decide what things mean, is noting regularities, patterns, exp0lanations, possible configurations, causal flows, and propositions. Final conclusions may not appear until data collection is over. Conclusion drawing is only half of the procedure. Conclusions are also verified as the analyst proceeds. The meanings emerging from the data have to be tested for their plausibility, their sturdiness, and their ‘confirmability’ (validity). Otherwise, we are left with interesting stories of unknown truth and utility. Components of Data Analysis: Flow Model Data collection period = Analysis Anticipatory Data reduction Data displays Conclusion drawing/verifying p. 23 Components of Data Analysis: Interactive Model Data Display Data Reduction Conclusions: drawing/verifying Data collection