ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with analyzing qualitative research. While both quantitative and qualitative research studies are frequently conducted by teams of researchers, the use of a team is more important in qualitative research than in quantitative research. Researchers who analyze a set of qualitative data should first analyze it independently in order to prevent one or more researchers from unduly influencing the others in the interpretation of the data. Qualitative researchers usually refer to input on the adequacy of the results of data analysis from outside experts as a peer review process. The literature on how to conduct qualitative research emphasizes conducting research in such a way that the results reflect the realities as perceived by the participants. To qualify as research, the method used to analyze the data must be carefully planned and systematic. In contrast, casual observation followed by a purely subjective discussion of it does not qualify as research.
