Getting the HOTs from your data: A quest for Higher Order Themes in qualitative research

Abstract

Qualitative Data Analysis Aims • To understand that to analyse is to philosophise – it’s either well-reasoned - or not. • To understand that data analysis in qualitative research is just a matter of opinion. “That’s just your opinion”! • To understand that human decision making is purely inductive… “cos we ain’t got nuffin else”. (and nor do the positivists, assuming they are human too, so beware) Objectives The key to analysis is asking questions: What, Who, Where, When, How, and Why? 1. But before you can analyse some data, you must collect some… all 6 Qs above are relevant. 2. What counts as data - what kinds of data exist in qualitative research – what is available to us to collect? 3. What are your Biases – embrace them, they are your friend, but what to do with them? 4. How will you Manage your data – before it manages you? 5. Who are you Reporting to: audiences and impact – who will judge you? Getting the HOTs ! Higher Order Themes are derived from: • Analysis: as a process of asking questions to arrive at a product. • Analysis: as a process of selection and rejection – prioritising what to keep. • Analysis: as rich description of phenomena and synthesis of concepts – to present a persuasive case.