Challenges and solutions during analysis in a longitudinal narrative case study
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Whiffin narrative analysis.pdf
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Author accepted manuscript
Affiliation
University of DerbyUniversity of Nottingham
Bournemouth University
University of Southampton
Issue Date
2014-03-27
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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.Citation
Whiffin, C. et al (2017) 'Challenges and solutions during analysis in a longitudinal narrative case study', Nurse Researcher, 21 (4):20 .Publisher
Royal College of NursingJournal
Nurse ResearcherDOI
10.7748/nr2014.03.21.4.20.e1238Additional Links
http://rcnpublishing.com/doi/abs/10.7748/nr2014.03.21.4.20.e1238Type
ArticleLanguage
enISSN
13515578EISSN
20478992ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.7748/nr2014.03.21.4.20.e1238