Qualitative_data_analysis

214 QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
Figure 13.5 A small selection of symbols based on computer graphics
our analysis. There is no limit to the range and variety of representational devices we
can employ, other than our own imagination and the need to present a clear and
intelligible picture—uncluttered by excessive variation. Figure 13.6, for example, is
a map of Vincent’s first letter, showing some of the key concepts and relationships.
Circles have been used for people, differentiated by patterns between dentists and
patients; boxes have been used for ‘events’ (psychological as well as social),
differentiated between our main categories by vertical and horizontal lines; and
ovals have been used to express consequences.
Figure 13.6 Differentiating concepts through different shapes and patterns
This diagram shows the main features of Vincent’s first letter in terms of the
categories central to our analysis. The dentists involved are Vincent and Cézanne.
Through the transpositions of ‘occupation’ and ‘temperament’ these dentists display,
‘suffering’ is inflicted on the patients. We also have something of a vicious circle
here, because Mrs Sol Schwimmer reacts by suing Vincent and exacerbating his
depression.
We can easily incorporate more detail in our map, for example by differentiating
between subcategories as in Figure 13.7.
Maps involve location of one point in relation to another, but they may also
convey information about size as well as position. We can use the size of the shapes
we use to take convey information about the scope of different categories. By scope
I mean the organizing power of the category, or its applicability to the data, in terms
of the number of times we have assigned the relevant category to the data. In short,
how many databits have been assigned to the relevant category? This may tell us
nothing of the conceptual significance of the category, but it does tell us just how