ABSTRACT
This unit provides the tools necessary to analyze qualitative data by providing different perspectives on how data of different kinds (e.g., texts, transcripts) can be analyzed. A range of approaches are discussed ranging from more directly applied approaches such as identifying themes or using textual analysis to more critical-based approaches such as rhetorical criticism. Grounded theory is discussed as an inductive approach to qualitative data analysis. These provide the reader with a range of options to making sense of their data. The importance of exemplars in presenting qualitative data is also discussed. Research-in-depth and Steps-to-success entries along with activities at the end of the unit provide further opportunity for application of key concepts giving the reader further skills in applying concepts to real-world situation.
