Qualitative_data_analysis

example, we may ask what it is about humour which creates laughter in an
audience.
ILLUSTRATION 11.1
POSSIBLE LINKS
X explains Y
X exculpates Y
X rationalizes Y
X supports Y
X opposes Y
X amuses Y
X bores Y
X praises Y
X criticizes Y
etc. etc.
LINKING DATA 165
In creating a link list, we must obviously take account of the data. Let us take as an
example the sketch ‘The library’ we considered earlier. Suppose we are interested in
how Victoria Wood achieves her humorous effects in this conversation. In the
sketch one male character after another receives rough treatment from Victoria.
‘Debunking’ involves exposing a reputation as false, and this fits perfectly the cynical
comments with which Victoria greets each contender. ‘Debunking’ is an interesting
link because it relates to humour as criticism—our tendency to laugh at faults and
failings, to mock vanity and ridicule pretension. Suppose we use this as the link
between our databits. We might observe several such links within the data
(Figure 11.4).
In each case, we have an image presented which is then punctured by a
debunking comment. As the images get grander, the comments become more biting.
We could bring out this cumulative effect by adding further links, this time to
capture the way the sketch proceeds towards a climax through a process of repetition
and progression. For example, we could link the shift from Simon to Malcolm as a
progression—Victoria’s comments acquire more bite—while the next two
comments reinforce this effect through repetition. By linking data, we can examine
more effectively the process as well as the substance of humour. Since links are not
exclusive, there is no implication here that this is in any way an ‘exhaustive’ analysis.
We may observe other links within the data. It is a question of identifying links
which we find interesting given our analytic inclinations.