Analyzing Qualitative Data

Through the use of real-life social science examples, this book walks upper-division undergraduate to graduate students through the steps of collecting and analyzing qualitative data. Rather than cover data collection in separate chapters isolated from analysis techniques, the authors pair each data collection technique with the appropriate analytic method. The authors first cover word-based techniques (such as KWIC, word counts, componential analysis, taxonomies, mental maps, and semantic networks). They next cover discovery techniques (grounded theory, schema analysis, sequential analysis, and analytic induction) followed by confirmatory techniques (tables and matrices, classic content analysis, content dictionaries, and ethnographic decision modeling). In the last section of the book, the authors tackle philosophical issues related to sampling, reliability and validity as well as how to select the appropriate software. Carefully crafted exercises will provide readers with experiences for practicing the concepts in each chapter. This book will provide readers with not only the most complete information on doing qualitative collection and analysis, but a guide to selecting among the complete variety of qualitative techniques.