Challenges and solutions during analysis in a longitudinal narrative case study

Journal article


Whiffin, Charlotte Jane, Bailey, Christopher, Ellis-Hill, Caroline and Jarrett, Nicola 2014. Challenges and solutions during analysis in a longitudinal narrative case study. Nurse Researcher. https://doi.org/10.7748/nr2014.03.21.4.20.e1238
AuthorsWhiffin, Charlotte Jane, Bailey, Christopher, Ellis-Hill, Caroline and Jarrett, Nicola
Abstract

Aim To describe the challenges faced by those performing complex qualitative analysis during a narrative study and to offer solutions. Background Qualitative research requires rigorous analysis. However, novice researchers often struggle to identify appropriately robust analytical procedures that will move them from their transcripts to their final findings. The lack of clear and detailed accounts in the literature that consider narrative analysis and how to address some of the common challenges researchers face add to this problem. Data sources A longitudinal narrative case study exploring the personal and familial changes reported by uninjured family members during the first year of another family member’s traumatic brain injury. Review methods This is a methodological paper. Discussion The challenges of analysis included: conceptualising analysis; demonstrating the relationship between the different analytical layers and the final research findings; interpreting the data in a way that reflected the priorities of a narrative approach; and managing large quantities of data. The solutions explored were: the mapping of analytic intentions; aligning analysis and interpretation with the conceptual framework; and the use of matrices to store and manage quotes, codes and reflections. Conclusion Working with qualitative data can be daunting for novice researchers. Ensuring rigorous, transparent, and auditable data analysis procedures can further constrain the interpretive aspect of analysis. Implications for research/practice The solutions offered in this paper should help novice researchers to manage and work with their data, assisting them to develop the confidence to be more intuitive and creative in their research.

Aim To describe the challenges faced by those performing complex qualitative analysis during a narrative study and to offer solutions.
Background Qualitative research requires rigorous analysis. However, novice researchers often struggle
to identify appropriately robust analytical procedures that will move them from their transcripts to their final findings. The lack of clear and detailed accounts in the literature that consider narrative analysis and how to address some of the common challenges researchers face add to this problem.
Data sources A longitudinal narrative case study exploring the personal and familial changes reported by uninjured family members during the first year of another family member’s traumatic brain injury. Review methods This is a methodological paper.
Discussion The challenges of analysis included: conceptualising analysis; demonstrating the
relationship between the different analytical layers and the final research findings; interpreting the data in a way that reflected the priorities of a narrative approach; and managing large quantities of data. The solutions explored were: the mapping of analytic intentions; aligning analysis and interpretation with the conceptual framework; and the use of matrices to store and manage quotes, codes and reflections.
Conclusion Working with qualitative data can be daunting for novice researchers. Ensuring rigorous, transparent, and auditable data analysis procedures can further constrain the interpretive aspect of analysis. Implications for research/practice The solutions offered in this paper should help novice researchers to manage and work with their data, assisting them to develop the confidence to be more intuitive and creative in their research.

KeywordsQualitative research; Narrative inquiry; Data analysis; Methodology
Year2014
JournalNurse Researcher
PublisherRoyal College of Nursing
ISSN13515578
20478992
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.7748/nr2014.03.21.4.20.e1238
Web address (URL)http://hdl.handle.net/10545/621879
hdl:10545/621879
Publication dates27 Mar 2014
Publication process dates
Deposited13 Oct 2017, 14:34
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ContributorsUniversity of Derby, University of Nottingham, Bournemouth University and University of Southampton
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