Related Experiment Videos
Data analysis in qualitative research: a plea for sharing the magic and the effort
1Occupational Science Division, Medical School Wing E, Campus Box 7120, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7120, USA. vdickie@med.unc.edu
Summary
Qualitative research analysis needs clearer descriptions. Integrating analytic processes into findings improves reporting, moving away from quantitative research structures.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Research Methodology
Background:
- Qualitative research papers often adopt reporting structures from quantitative research.
- This can lead to a disconnect in describing the analytical process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how authors describe data analysis in qualitative research.
- To propose a more suitable structure for reporting qualitative analysis.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of current practices in qualitative research reporting.
- Analysis of the suitability of quantitative research paper structures for qualitative data.
Main Results:
- The traditional quantitative research paper structure is often ill-suited for qualitative research.
- Current reporting practices may lack sufficient detail in describing the analytic process.
Conclusions:
- Qualitative research reporting should minimize jargon.
- Detailed descriptions of the analytic process, integrated within findings and interpretation, are recommended for better clarity and rigor.