Qualitative_data_analysis

our reasons for making decisions and not simply putting them into effect without
explanation. Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.
Assigning links
• Look out for link words in the data
• Only identify links pertinent to the analysis
• Stay as close as possible to the data
• Use caution in inferring links
• Specify ‘rules’ governing link decisions
The mechanics of linking data should be as straightforward as those of
categorizing. Once each bit of data has been selected and a link chosen, the
computer should be able to do the rest. It should be possible to link data prior to
categorizing, while categorizing or after categorizing. What do we produce through
linking databits? In practical terms, the computer can store for each databit any
information about links we have made between it and other databits, and what
those links are called. The particular format used does not matter, so long as the
computer stores the relevant information in a practical way. This should allow us,
on analysing our databits, to go directly from a databit to any other databit linked to
it. When we come to analysing databits, therefore, we can display information not
just about the categories to which they belong, or the context from which they are
drawn, but also the other databits to which they relate.
Earlier we looked at an example of the information which might be held by the
computer for our first databit. We can now extend this to include information
about the links with other databits (Illustration 11.2). It doesn’t matter how the
databit is indexed—I have just taken the first three words of each databit as an index
—so long as the computer can use the index to locate any linked databits. There
should be no practical limit to how many links we can record for any particular
databit.
ILLUSTRATION 11.2
INFORMATION HELD ON LINKED DATABITS
Index Mrs Sol Schwimmer
Databit Mrs Sol Schwimmer is suing me
Categories Transposing Occupation
Case Letter01
LINKING DATA 173