UNDERSTANDING DATA

AND WAYS TO
SYSTEMATICALLY
COLLECT DATA
Ariel P. Villar
Master Teacher II
Six Steps in Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Data
1. It is inductive in form, going from the particular or the
detailed data (e.g., transcriptions or typed notes from
interviews) to the general codes and themes.

2. It involves a simultaneous process of analyzing while you

are also collecting data. When you are collecting data, you may
also be analyzing other information previously collected,
looking for major ideas.

3. The phases are also iterative, meaning you cycle back and
forth between data collection and analysis.
4. Qualitative researchers analyze their data by reading it
several times and conducting an analysis each time.

5. There is no single, accepted approach to analyzing

qualitative data, although several guidelines exist for this
process (see Dey, 1993; Miles & Huberman, 1994). It is an
eclectic process.

6. Qualitative research is “interpretive” research, in which you

make a personal assessment as to a description that fits the
situation or themes that capture the major categories of
information.
How do you prepare and organize data for
analyze for analysis?

Analyze by
Organize Transcribe
Hand or
data. Data
Computer

Explore the Reduce the

General Sense Code the Data codes into
of the Data themes
Strategy 1 – Direct Coding/Glossing Method
Strategy 2 – Segmenting Method
Strategy 3 – Code Matrix
Strategy 4 – Initial Coding to Focus Coding
Strategy 5 – Flashcards/Blackboard Coding Method
Coding
Chart
Themes on the Study of Teenage Pregnancies