Qualitative Analysis

Practitioner and beginning researchers in social work often struggle with the process of qualitative data analysis. This article discusses the use of a teaching tool for qualitative analysis that is relatively simple to apply within the classroom setting. Based on the grounded theory method of qualitative analysis (Glaser and Strauss, 1967; Strauss and Corbin, 1990), the purpose of the tool is threefold: (1) to facilitate a beginning understanding of the processes of qualitative analysis for students; (2) to provide an experiential opportunity for students to practice using qualitative data - thereby encouraging ‘learning-by-doing’ strategy; and (3) to simplify the process of analysis as a precursor to the student’s more in-depth study and understanding.