Qualitative_data_analysis

Figure 11.7 An explanatory link between two databits
we are dealing with fictional letters rather than real documentary evidence, and can
therefore concentrate on the internal characteristics of the data rather than their
veracity.
Suppose we now try to categorize both parts of the statement. First we have to
think about appropriate categories. The second part of the statement is no problem,
for in making the bridge ‘as he felt it’ Vincent works as an artist rather than a
dentist. We can assign this the categories ‘transposing’ and ‘task’. What of the first
part? If we take this as evidence of ‘patient suffering’, indicated by the decision to sue,
we can see the results of our analysis in Figure 11.8.
Figure 11.8 Linking and categorizing two databits
LINKING DATA 169
The same information is displayed in a different format in Table 11.1, where I
have added a reciprocal element to the link between the two databits. This allows us
to identify a direction in the relationship, though obviously this does not apply to
all links (e.g. contradiction).
The link we have established between these two databits suggests there may
indeed be a connection between incongruity and cathartic humour. First we have a
hint at cathartic humour, in the reference to Vincent being sued by a patient—
implying that something has gone badly wrong. Then we have Vincent’s
explanation, which reveals his incongruous conception of what is required of a
dentist. This example should therefore encourage us to look for any further evidence
of connections between the two types of humour.
The link we have just made was very straightforward. Conjunctions such as
‘because’ make explicit reference to links within the data. Can we also reasonably
infer such links even where they are not explicitly stated? For example, can we