One voice, different tunes: issues raised by dual analysis of a segment of qualitative data

Qualitative data analysis is a complex and contested part of the research process that has received limited theoretical attention. This paper explores the relationship between the way in which data are analysed and the nature of findings that emerge. It does this in response to demands to recognize the multiple voices that inform representations of reality, and debates about whether the interpretation of data reveals or constructs meaning. A small segment of data provided by one informant is subjected to both thematic and narrative analysis and the different perspectives that emerge are discussed with reference to whether different kinds of analysis lead to different kinds of meaning being imputed to the same text. The paper suggests that, rather than provide a unified and ever-more refined version of 'reality', the use of dual or multiple analysis helps to elucidate alternative interpretations of the data which might escape consideration with the use of a single approach.