How to Analyze Qualitative Data

The guide discusses the most important part of qualitative analysis, reading and familiarizing yourself with the data. Most researchers will read all their data through multiple times, and use different ways of reading the qualitative data to properly understand it. This helps identify trends, patterns and to reveal findings in the data.

The source of data can be interviews, focus groups, diaries, documents, social media or questionnaires. However, the basic analysis takes similar steps, of reading, comparing and interpreting the data. There are also more specific qualitative analysis techniques like Content Analysis, Thematic Analysis and Discourse Analysis.

We compare qualitative analysis to writing a book report, summarizing the plot, character motivations and themes using the example of Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men'.

It also discusses qualitative data analysis software, using the example of Quirkos, to demonstrate how it can help manage coding, notes and other analytic text. However, it's noted that the software can't do the analysis for you!

Download a free trial of the qualitative data analysis software Quirkos from this link:

and read our blog introducing the analysis of qualitative data here:

[zebbers]

Thank you Dr. Turner! You just made my life easier and I just downloaded Quirkos. It is exactly what I needed for my learning style.

[luwanda]

Never had anyone explained so easier as you do. Big thanks.

[DreamsAreForWeaving]

Thank you Dr Turner...this video was a great help with my dissertation analysis. I gained a distinction in my MSc

[hoyvux]

Thank you so much, I would've died without your help

[josephtree]

These videos are class. Helping me with my dissertation. thanks Daniel

[imanamuska]

These videos are so clear and helpful, and they are making my research seem far less daunting! Thank you!

[TekoaMr]

Thank you so much, Dr. Turner, you're explanation was so clean and precise, excellent..

[nolanwidmer]

You helped me so much Dr.Turner. You helped me so much!

[anghamabdullah]

Thats very useful. Thanks a lot Dr. Turner

[jakemagbanua]

I agree with this, "There's no one right way to do it."

[henrysambakunsi]

Simple and easy to follow. Unfortunately the comparison stage of analysis wasn’t really dealt with like the other 2.

[PrabhakarKrishnamurthyprof]

Brilliant and easy explanation Dr.Turner.

[satishbhat]

It's really wonderful, opened my eyes in dealing qualitative data

[nadeenpakyntein]

This is so Helpful. Thank you so much!!

[ningguo]

Dr. Turner, your video is very helpful!

[danfreakuk]

Qualitative analysis doesn't need to be scary!

[amiribrahim]

Smart and very informative video. Thank you.

[objoe]

i really appreciate coz i was stuck with it

[gaerinraj]

Many ways to analyse and interpret data, there is no one way, Read data, data can be in any form, its unstructured data, 1st reading pick up main points, how indepth it is, repeat reading of data until you understand the data, .

Breakdown data, Integrate & summarize data, second stage is comparing data and 3rd stage is interpretation data. Coding to support your interpretation, uncover meaning of data, analysis of data using software like quirkos, analyse and interpret data always.