title: Generating best evidence from qualitative research: the role of data analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To outline the importance of the clarity of data analysis in the doing and reporting of interview-based qualitative research.
  
  
  METHODS
  We explore the clear links between data analysis and evidence. We argue that transparency in the data analysis process is integral to determining the evidence that is generated. Data analysis must occur concurrently with data collection and comprises an ongoing process of 'testing the fit' between the data collected and analysis. We discuss four steps in the process of thematic data analysis: immersion, coding, categorising and generation of themes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rigorous and systematic analysis of qualitative data is integral to the production of high-quality research. Studies that give an explicit account of the data analysis process provide insights into how conclusions are reached while studies that explain themes anchored to data and theory produce the strongest evidence.
authors: Youth Research Centre, Melbourne Education Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. julie.green@mcri.edu.au
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Green
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Willis
authors: Emma
authors: E
authors: Hughes
authors: Rhonda
authors: R
authors: Small
authors: Nicky
authors: N
authors: Welch
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Gibbs
authors: Jeanne
authors: J
authors: Daly
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011634:Public Health / Q000639:trends*; D036301:Qualitative Research