Qualitative_data_analysis

80 QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
‘Sketch01’ or ‘Programme01’ for example. However, we may want to reference the
data more fully, by including details of who recorded the data, how, when and
where it was recorded, and so on. This information may provide important
contextual material and may also be useful if we want to make comparisons between
cases in terms of how the data was obtained. For example, we may want to compare
sketches we have seen ‘live’ in the theatre with those seen on video or those which
we have only read, but not seen performed. Nevertheless, unless this reference
information may illuminate the data in some way, or promises to provide a useful
basis of comparison, there is no point in recording it.
As well as reference information about cases, we may also want to record
reference information about the data in each case. We might reference the ‘Turkish
Bath’ sketch as ‘Case 001’, and record some further information about when, where
and how this was observed. But in addition to information about the case, we also have
information about the data itself. We know who is speaking at any one point in the
data, and can therefore record the source of the data as it varies through the case
material. Most interview data will contain at least two sources—the respondent and
the interviewer. Other forms of data—group discussions, meetings, informal
conversations—may include several sources. Referencing the data by source is
useful, but only if it sheds light on the data, or provides a basis for future
comparison. If we have no interest in ‘Pat’ or ‘Thelm’ as individuals, we may
dispense with the information about sources and concentrate entirely on the
dialogue itself.
The computer has a capacity to locate and retrieve information which is
remarkable by human standards. For example, we can ask it to collate all the
contributions which Pat (or Thelm) makes to the dialogue. The computer can hunt
through all the cases for contributions which Pat has made, and record these in a
separate file.
The computer can also improve our efficiency in managing data. The trick is to
file information only once, and then obtain access to it as required. If we file
information about different speakers (e.g. ‘S1 is Pat, S2 is Thelm’) then we can
reference the data more economically and retrieve the full reference whenever
required. Anyone who has obtained qualitative data through a standardized
questionnaire will immediately see the value of this facility. The questions can be
filed once, and then it is sufficient to record a brief reference (e.g. Q1) for the data.
The full question can be displayed on screen as required. Take Illustration 6.2 as an
example.
ILLUSTRATION 6.2
RECORDING DATA FULLY BUT INEFFICIENTLY