Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative Analysis offers a detailed introduction to the practice of data analysis that is both user-friendly and theoretically grounded. Drawing on his extensive experience of qualitative research, Douglas Ezzy reviews approaches to data analysis in established research traditions including ethnography, phenomenology and symbolic interactionism, alongside the newer approaches informed by cultural studies and feminism. He explains the difference between inductive, deductive and abductive theory building, provides a guide to computer-assisted analysis and outlines techniques such as journal writing, team meetings and participant reviews. At the heart of insightful qualitative research is a dialogue between tradition and innovation, ideas and observations, theory and data, and interpretation and action. Ezzy explains how to engage in this dialogue by choosing methods of data analysis to suit the research project, adapting these methods as needed. Qualitative Analysis is a valuable reference for research students and for professional researchers in the social sciences and health.

Author Biography

Douglas Ezzy lectures in the School of Sociology and Social Work at the University of Tasmania. He is co-author with Pranee Rice of Qualitative Research Methods: A health focus (Oxford University Press).