Learning Objectives

Chapter overview and goals

After reading this chapter, you will have a better understanding of:

• What qualitative data analysis is
• How analysis and interpretation differ and how they relate
• The range and variation of different qualitative approaches to analyzing data
• What an integrative approach to qualitative data analysis entails
• How qualitative data analysis is iterative and recursive and what this mean for how you engage in data analysis
• How qualitative data analysis is formative as well as summative
• The ways in which qualitative data analysis requires data and theory triangulation
• How the power differentials within data analysis are an ethical and methodological concern
• The ways in which qualitative data analysis is a process of seeking out alternative perspectives