Qualitative_data_analysis

Figure 11.2 Multiple hyperlinks between bits of data stored separately
LINKING DATA 163
pathways within the data, with each pathway incorporating a chain of links between
different bits of data (Figure 11.2).
In conceptual terms, the resulting complex of pathways may be more perplexing
than illuminating, if we fail to distinguish between the different strings attaching
different bits of data. Retaining the visual image, we have to colour code the strings
if we are going to disentangle the different paths and not become confused by twists
and turns and overlaps amongst the different strings. It is not enough just to make
an electronic link: we also have to describe it.
Like categorizing, linking therefore has a conceptual as well as a mechanical
aspect. We make hyperlinks between two bits of data only if we think they are
linked conceptually in some way. For example, suppose we want to note the
substantive relations between dentists and patients discussed earlier. We could do so
using the links ‘treat’ and ‘pay’ as in Figure 11.3.
In this respect, linking is akin to categorizing. For the sake of clarity and
consistency we need to create a list of links which we can assign to the links we
observe between bits of data. Like our category set, our link list ought to be
conceptually and empirically ‘grounded’—conceptually in the ideas and objectives
which inform our research, empirically in the observations we make of
interrelationships within the data. We can devise links in much the same way as we
devise categories—by deriving them from our initial questions and interests, and/or
by inferring them from the data. Again we may be influenced by theoretical concerns,
substantive interests, practical policy problems, or rely mainly on generating ideas