Thesis Seminar Module 12: Method VI
💡 On April 17, 2026 11:00 AM, we will discuss From Data to Defensible Themes about Analyzing Qualitative Data.
Thesis Seminar: Week 12 RecapThesis Seminar: Week 12 Recap - Notes
Objectives
🎯 Understanding
Instructors will understand that…
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Qualitative data analysis is a systematic, documented process that moves from raw data → meaningful units → codes → categories → themes/patterns.
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Coding choices must be aligned with the research questions and the chosen analytic approach (e.g., thematic analysis, content analysis, grounded theory), not simply what is “interesting.”
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Credible qualitative analysis requires transparency: clear code definitions, examples from the data, and a traceable audit trail of analytic decisions.
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Strong analysis connects evidence (excerpts/field notes/artifacts) to analytic claims (themes/patterns) through explicit reasoning (memos), not just description.
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Trustworthiness can be strengthened through planned strategies (e.g., triangulation, member checking, peer debriefing, negative case analysis) that are integrated into the analysis process.
🎯 Language Objective
Students will be able to…
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segment qualitative data into meaningful units and apply initial/open codes consistently
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develop and revise a codebook (code name, definition, inclusion/exclusion rules, examples)
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write analytic memos that explain why an excerpt was coded a certain way and how codes are evolving
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combine/refine codes into categories and themes/patterns, with clear criteria and supporting excerpts
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use precise analytic language to describe patterns (e.g., indicates, suggests, illustrates, appears to) while avoiding overclaiming
🎯 Vocabulary
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data preparation (transcription, anonymization, formatting)
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unit of analysis
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meaning unit (segment)
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coding (open/initial; focused/axial—depending on approach)
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code / category / theme / pattern
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codebook
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analytic memo (memoing)
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in vivo code
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intercoder agreement (if applicable)
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negative case (deviant case)
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saturation (theoretical/data)
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audit trail
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credibility / trustworthiness
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triangulation
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member checking
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peer debriefing