Making Sense of Qualitative Data
Complementary Research Strategies
- Amanda Jane Coffey - Cardiff University, UK
- Paul A. Atkinson - Cardiff University, UK
Qualitative Data Analysis
After a research project has been designed and the data have been gathered, what is the best way to transform the myriad varieties of data into something useful? Authors Amanda Coffey and Paul Atkinson underscore the diversity of approaches at the disposal of the qualitative researcher by using a single data set--doctoral students and faculty members in social anthropology--that they analyze using a number of techniques. User-friendly and accessible, Making Sense of Qualitative Data is not intended as a comprehensive cookbook of methods. It describes and illustrates a number of key, complementary approaches to qualitative data and offers practical advice on the many ways to analyze data, which the reader is encouraged to explore and enjoy. Practical and straightforward, with special attention paid to the possibilities in computer-aided analysis, Making Sense of Qualitative Data is an invaluable resource to students and professionals in qualitative and research methods, sociology, anthropology, communication, management, and education.
Very accessible for students to engage with research and their data
This book provides a useful introduction to students on how to deal with qualitative data. The book is good at explaining some of the assumptions behind different approaches toward qualitative analysis and provides clear examples.
Extremely well written comprehensive and detailed, 'user friendly' books, suitable for postgrad or undergrad final year. Thought provoking and inspiring.
Comprehensive book, very well written, covers; coding, narratives, metaphor and meaning and fundamental concepts. Highly recommended
This is a very practical text which was useful in highlighting a range of approaches that are available to the qualitative researcher when analysing a data set. I would recommend this book to students embarking on a research project and needing practical assistance to transform their data collection into useful findings.
An excellent text! The authors reach out to the reader by acknowledging the challenges and important points for consideration surrounding qualitative analysis. The book provides great examples throughout, a must read for both new and experienced qualitative researchers!
I think this is an excellent book for understanding coding, clear with excellent examples.
Coffey and Atkinson provide an easy to follow manual for those who are new to qualitative data analysis. Important issues are continually reinforced in each chapter to assist with the learning process. The use of interview transcripts helps the reader to apply the underlying theories into practice.