Qualitative_data_analysis

166 QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
Figure 11.4 Observing the link ‘debunked by’ between databits
Linking data
• Links must be labelled
• Use a links list for clarity and consistency
• Use a limited links list to reduce complexity
• Ground links conceptually and empirically
So far, we have proceeded as though linking data and categorizing data were two
quite distinct activities. This may be a bit misleading. It is true that we can identify
links without having categorized the data. In the ‘debunking’ example, we identified
links between bits of data which we had not explicitly categorized. However, the
data has to be categorized at some point if we are to understand what it is we are
linking. In practice it may be convenient to undertake these tasks together.
Although linking and categorizing are separate tasks, each complements the other
(Figure 11.5).
If categories are the building blocks of the analysis, links can provide the mortar.
Or in a more fanciful image, if categories keep the analysis afloat, links can sail it
along to a successful conclusion. Let us return to Vincent’s letters, and see how
linking data can be incorporated into our analysis.
Suppose we want to examine the connections between incongruity and cathartic
humour in Vincent’s letters. To do this we shall link as well as categorize the data. First
of all we have to decide on what constitutes a ‘bit’ of data. Once again we have to
choose between a more or less detailed breakdown of the data. This time, though, we
are linking data as well as categorizing it. We shall therefore pay more attention to
the internal dynamics of the text. In general, we can expect to identify links within
as well as between sentences, reflected in the use of link words like ‘because’, ‘but’
and so forth. Conjunctions can reveal a range of links—causal, contradictory,