ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the means through which data are analysed is examined, including the use of qualitative software to capture themes and code data. The reader is taken through the process of ‘coding’ and invited to reflect on inductive and deductive approaches to data collection and analysis as they relate to their chosen methodology (see Chapter 6) and research goals. Although this chapter is largely procedurally driven in that it discusses how to code data, it will examine different types of data and connect this to the previous chapter about research methods. Types of data are presented, as well as different ways to code and categorise data to ultimately inform your data analysis. The chapter will take the same approach to coding that we saw in Chapter 3: just as research questions require narrowing down, so too does the process of coding require a clearly defined narrowing-down process. We will also reiterate the importance of knowing and engaging with your researcher positioning, as your data analysis is inherently linked to your methodology as well as your worldview or analytical lens (see Chapter 2). A list of further reading is also provided, since this chapter is an overview, not a definitive summation, of data coding and analysis in social research. Your ultimate analytical technique and framework will depend on your research design, epistemological positioning and research goals.
