title: Analyzing qualitative data.
abstract: Data analysis in qualitative research is a creative process. As the instrument of data analysis, the researcher explores and reflects on the meaning of the data. In most qualitative traditions, the data analysis phase overlaps the data collection phase. As data analysis proceeds, the researcher moves back and forth between data analysis and data collection in order to create and explain the findings. Using data from the authors' research, common techniques of data analysis in qualitative research are presented.
authors.affiliation: School for Nursing, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Cynthia S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Jacelon
authors.forename: Katharine K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: O'Dell
mesh_terms: D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods; D036301:Qualitative Research