Chapter 16: Analysing Qualitative Data

According to the chapter introduction, which statement best captures the limitation of quantification highlighted in the promise of qualitative data?

• Quantification always increases the richness of meaning.

• Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.

• Quantitative data is inherently biased and unreliable.

• Qualitative data cannot be used for evidence-based decision-making.

Which step is NOT part of the reflective qualitative analysis process described in this section?

• Organize raw data

• Enter and code data

• Conduct a randomized controlled trial

• Search for meaning through thematic analysis

• Interpret meaning and draw conclusions

What distinguishes inductive from deductive reasoning in QDA as described?

• Inductive reasoning tests hypotheses through verification; deductive reasoning discovers themes from the ground up

• Inductive reasoning discovers themes from the ground up; deductive reasoning uncovers predetermined categories to support theory

• Both inductive and deductive reasoning require predetermined theories before analysis

• Deductive reasoning is always superior to inductive reasoning

A researcher allows themes to emerge from systematically gathered data and iteratively compares cases until higher levels of abstraction form. What approach are they most likely using?

• Content analysis

• Grounded theory using inductive reasoning

• Narrative deduction

• Experimental hypothesis testing

Which step in qualitative data analysis directly addresses researcher subjectivities by listing assumptions and preconceived notions to elicit potential categories for exploration?

• Reducing and coding into themes

• Identifying biases and noting impressions

• Exploring linguistic devices

• Mapping and building theories

A researcher moves from piles sorted under simple categories of reduction to richer themes, juxtaposing tensions among themes and engaging them with literature. What next-level outcome is this process most likely to support?

• Producing a finalized conclusion without further analysis

• Transitioning from model building to theory building through conceptualization and abstraction

• Eliminating all inductive insights to focus on a priori codes

• Converting the map into a tree structure that locks the analysis in software

In the QDA workflow, which statement best describes the difference between Step 2 and Step 3?

• Step 2 maps interconnections among themes; Step 3 codes raw observations into categories.

• Step 2 reduces observations into themes using deductive and inductive processes; Step 3 searches for commonalities and divergences across videos.

• Step 2 verifies theories through repeated viewing; Step 3 draws final conclusions.

• Step 2 narrows the study’s scope; Step 3 expands it to include literature review.

During qualitative reduction, which self-check is explicitly recommended to control researcher bias?

• Confirm the sample size meets power analysis thresholds

• Ask: What do I expect to find? What do I know will not be there? What am I absolutely sure of?

• Verify inter-rater reliability exceeds 0.80

• Ensure all themes are pre-specified in a hypothesis

According to the instructional text, what is the recommended approach for presenting qualitative data to avoid inappropriate quantification?

• Use pie charts and bar graphs to summarize small interview sets

• Convert all narratives into percentages for clarity

• Emphasize storytelling that preserves and capitalizes on words and images

• Apply pseudo-quantitative analysis to make findings appear rigorous

According to the text, why are pie charts and bar graphs criticized for qualitative data?

• They misrepresent numerical precision

• They imply representativeness and importance not justified by small, non-representative samples

• They are difficult for audiences to interpret

• They cannot display percentages