Martha S Feldman's invaluable text outlines four key strategies for interpreting qualitative data: ethnomethodology, semiotics, dramaturgy and deconstruction. The author examines the strengths and weaknesses of each strategy and identifies when to use them. To demonstrate, she applies the techniques of each method to a single data set, highlighting the differences in results.
CONCLUSION Role of Analysis Throughout this book, I have assumed that analysis is just one stage in the process of research. It is preceded by data
gathering and succeeded by a process of relating one's interpretations to the
questions one is trying to answer and to existing theories. In the case of
qualitative research, it is often easy to blur the stages. It is important, however, to
keep them as separate as possible. It is tempting not to separate the data
gathering from the analysis.
In this fifth edition of his field-defining text, David Silverman, a true guru of qualitative research, walks the reader through the basics of gathering and analyzing qualitative data. The book offers beginners unrivalled hands-on guidance to help them get the best out of a research methods course or research project. New to the fifth edition: A streamlined structure to aid navigation and guide readers smoothly through the research process. A new chapter on generalizing from case-study research which addresses the perennial issue of ‘how many cases do you need?’ New material on doing qualitative research online and the ethics of internet research. Additional sections covering organizational documents and documents of everyday life, including blogs and diaries. Many more recent case study examples drawn from a broad range of disciplines including business, education, social work and geography as well as health studies. A new and improved companion website, full of additional resources for students and lecturers. This is the perfect companion for all those new to qualitative research. Available with Perusall—an eBook that makes it easier to prepare for class Perusall is an award-winning eBook platform featuring social annotation tools that allow students and instructors to collaboratively mark up and discuss their SAGE textbook. Backed by research and supported by technological innovations developed at Harvard University, this process of learning through collaborative annotation keeps your students engaged and makes teaching easier and more effective. Learn more.
... when you are ordering a meal in a Western restaurant, the waiter will not
expect you to order your dessert before your soup (see my discussion of
Saussure in Section 12.4). The second comment is that, of course, you must, at
some point elect to narrow down the sequence on which you focus – otherwise
you could only make observations about, say, one whole interview or document.
However, at least try to retain the immediate surroundings of whatever data you
are analysing.
