Finding the findings in qualitative studies.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the challenges of finding the findings in qualitative studies.


METHODS
Review of literature on representation in qualitative research and analysis of 99 reports of qualitative studies of women with HIV infection.


RESULTS
Factors complicating finding the findings in qualitative studies include varied reporting styles, misrepresentation of data and analytic procedures as findings, misuse of quotes and theory, and lack of clarity concerning pattern and theme. Theses and dissertations present special challenges because they often contain several of these problems.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the varied beliefs about findings among qualitative researchers, the challenge is to find ways to present findings that will make them discernible to the diverse audiences for whom they are intended, including researchers and practitioners.
Sandelowski
Margarete
M
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, NC, USA. msandelo@email.unc.edu
Barroso
Julie
J
D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design