ABSTRACT
Analysing qualitative data can prove to be much less straightforward – at least initially – than the seemingly more ‘logical’ and ‘objective’ analysis of quantitative data. This is partially due to the lack of a commonly accepted method of qualitative analysis, and also because, as you may have noted from your own reading, many researchers reporting qualitative research do not make it clear how the analysis has taken place. Thus, there is often an air of mystery about qualitative analysis, especially when compared with the seemingly more straightforward and objective approaches to quantitative data analysis. Essentially, the aim of both is the same, that is to make sense of your data so that evidence can be obtained to answer your research question. Although quantitative and qualitative data are different in their nature, as Table 13.1 shows, the principles of analysis of each are, however, not entirely different.
