An Inside Look at the Process of Qualitative Data Analysis

Abstract

Although qualitative research has gained traction in the field of language education, there are very few detailed descriptions available regarding the key aspects of qualitative data analysis, the nature of analytic approaches, or the mechanism of data analysis procedures. With the purpose of looking closely into the process of qualitative data analysis, this article begins with an explanation about the ways in which to transcribe, translate, and manage the data. It then introduces constructing grounded theory methods, an interpretive, constructivist way of executing grounded theory. It continues with a discussion of a data-coding approach and a multi-dimensional analysis strategy (i.e., within-case and cross-case analyses). It also deals with issues surrounding data display and theorization. Throughout this article, a qualitative-oriented PhD study I carried out (Hiratsuka, 2014) serves as an illustrative example. The article concludes with recommendations for future qualitative data analysis.