title: Qualitative case study data analysis: an example from practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To illustrate an approach to data analysis in qualitative case study methodology.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  There is often little detail in case study research about how data were analysed. However, it is important that comprehensive analysis procedures are used because there are often large sets of data from multiple sources of evidence. Furthermore, the ability to describe in detail how the analysis was conducted ensures rigour in reporting qualitative research.
  
  
  METHODS
  The research example used is a multiple case study that explored the role of the clinical skills laboratory in preparing students for the real world of practice. Data analysis was conducted using a framework guided by the four stages of analysis outlined by Morse ( 1994 ): comprehending, synthesising, theorising and recontextualising. The specific strategies for analysis in these stages centred on the work of Miles and Huberman ( 1994 ), which has been successfully used in case study research. The data were managed using NVivo software.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature examining qualitative data analysis was reviewed and strategies illustrated by the case study example provided. Discussion Each stage of the analysis framework is described with illustration from the research example for the purpose of highlighting the benefits of a systematic approach to handling large data sets from multiple sources.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By providing an example of how each stage of the analysis was conducted, it is hoped that researchers will be able to consider the benefits of such an approach to their own case study analysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This paper illustrates specific strategies that can be employed when conducting data analysis in case study research and other qualitative research designs.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Houghton
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: Dympna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Casey
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design
keywords: Case study data analysis; case study research methodology; clinical skills research; qualitative case study methodology; qualitative data analysis; qualitative research