Qualitative_data_analysis

130 QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
the category in terms of criteria which may govern its assignation. Illustration 9.5
contrasts two such ‘definitions’.
It should be apparent that these ‘definitions’ involve different conceptualizations
of the category ‘temperament’ and would result in their assignation to different sorts
of data. The first definition is more general and
ILLUSTRATION 9.5
CONTRASTING DEFINITIONS OF THE CATEGORY
‘TEMPERAMENT’
Temperament—Use this category for any expression of emotion, regardless of
whether or not we would judge this ‘extreme’ or ‘unreasonable’. Although we are
interested in temperament as an aspect of stereotyping, our first trawl through the
data should collect all examples reflecting some aspect of temperament with a view
to subsequent differentiation.
Temperament—Use this category for any expression of emotions which might be
regarded as ‘extreme’ and/or ‘unreasonable’ and therefore illustrative of an artistic
stereotype. Be careful not to include expression of emotions typical of an ‘ordinary’
rather than ‘artistic’ temperament.
requires less judgement on the part of the analyst. The second definition is more
focused, but therefore requires a finer judgement about what data ‘fits’ the category.
On a first run through the data, we may be tempted to stick with the more general
definition and avoid more difficult judgements until we can view all the data
assigned to the category. On the other hand, our interest is in the use of stereotypes
and we may want to confine our attention to this aspect of the data from the start.
The choice between different definitions requires a fine judgement on the part of
the analyst.
As well as defining the scope of the category, we shall have to consider in more
detail the criteria for its assignation. In this databit, Vincent explicitly states that he
is ‘wracked by despair’. The data may not always be so helpful. Suppose we
encounter a bit of data where there is no explicit statement concerning Vincent’s
emotional state, but there are reasonable grounds for inferring from his behaviour
that he is governed by an artistic temperament? For example, take the bit of data in
a later letter (Illustration 9.6).
ILLUSTRATION 9.6
INFERRING AN EMOTIONAL STATE FROM BEHAVIOUR
As if that was not enough, I attempted some root-canal work on Mrs
Wilma Zardis, but half-way through I became despondent. I realized