This slideshow defines deductive qualitative analysis and describes some of its procedures. Deductive qualitative analysis is a way of testing theory qualitatively. it is important for graduate students and researchers seeking funding because DQA starts with research and theory, a requirement for dissertation committees and funders. The product is a grounded theory and descriptions of human phenomena from informants' points of view. This method brings the experiences of informants into public dialogue.
1. An Introduction
to Deductive Qualitative Analysis
Jane F. Gilgun, Ph.D., LICSW
Professor, School of Social Work
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA
Social Work Day
International Congress on Qualitative Inquiry
24 May 2014
2. Topics
DQA Defined
Advantages of DQA to Graduate Students
Crafting a Preliminary Focus
Components of the Conceptual Framework
Methods for Testing Hypotheses
Data Collection & Analysis
Ethical Issues
Dissemination
References
3. Definition
of Deductive Qualitative Analysis
A way of using theory from the beginning of
research projects
– As hypotheses to test and/or
– Sensitizing concepts
Theory-guided research
Increasing numbers of researcher use theory
upfront in qualitative research but there is no
name for this
4. Definition
of Deductive Qualitative Analysis
As Theory Testing
Theory is developed and tested
systematically so as to include a wide variety of
cases that show patterns & not one dominant
theme
Product is a pattern theory that has been
tested and revised multiple times
5. Definition
of Deductive Qualitative Analysis
As Theory-Guided Research
Existing research and theory gives focus to a study
– Researchers start with a focus that sensitizing concepts
give
Sensitizing concepts help researchers see what they
might not otherwise have noticed
Researchers seek to add dimensions to sensitizing
concepts or, if evidence warrants, discard them in favor
of new concepts that fit the emerging analysis
6. Source of the Theory to be Tested
Previous research & theory
Professional experience
Personal experience
Knowledge of persons and situations that are
the focus of theory
Values and ethics
Sensitizing concepts from same sources
7. General Procedures
of Deductive Qualitative Analysis
Begin with preliminary theories and/or
concepts only
Test
– the theories
– The viability of concepts
Revise
– the theories
– Dimensions of the concepts; may discard in favor
of others
8. Advantages
Efficient way to do qualitative research
– Great for disserations
Your professors want to know what you
intend to do
Funders do, too
Writes-up facilitated
9. Preliminary Focus
A topic that interests you
Write out your own ideas
Preliminary interviews
Read related research and theory
10. Write a Reflexivity Statement
Topic: your preliminary ideas about it
Write whatever comes to mind
Cover the following areas
– Your personal experience with the topic
– Your professional experience with the
topic
11. Write a Reflexivity Statement Cont’d
– Why the topic interests you
– Who would you interview or observe
– What issues arise when you chose to do research
on these particular persons and settings
How do you see informants
How do informants see you?
– Your sense of cultural beliefs and practices
– Whatever else fits
– What you want to use the research for
12. Principles of Data Collection
and Analysis
Sources of Codes
– From conceptual framework/sensitizing concepts
– From the act of coding transcripts/documents
Coding--
– Open
– Axial
– Selective
– Or other
Importance of Multiple Coders/Points of View
13. Negative Case Analysis
Recommended: First select similar cases
Then seek cases that differ from those
already research to maximize variations
– Purpose is
to describe patterns
For some researchers, also to interpret and make
theoretical statements about the patterns
14. Basics of Interpretations
“Thick Description” is first
Your interpretations follow
Then, write about how your findings fit with,
add to, or undermine existing research and
theory
15. Dissemination
State how you will let others know about the
research
– Create programs
– Write articles: journal & internet publishing
– Suggest policy
– Create performances/songs/poetry
– Do workshops
– Have websites
– Present conference papers
16. Summary
Understanding is key
Find a focus
Engage your whole self (reflexivity)
Description is the foundation
Then interpret, connect to existing
knowledge, theorize
Awareness of ethical issues
Know what you want to do with findings
17. References
Angell, Robert A. The family encounters the depression. New
York: Scribner.
Becker, Howard (l953). Becoming a marihuana user. American
Journal of Sociology, 59, 235-242.
Becker, Howard (1999). The Chicago School, so-called.
Qualitative Sociology, 22(1), 3-12.
Gilgun, Jane F. (2014). Chicago School traditions: Deductive
qualitative analysis & grounded theory. Amazon.
Gilgun, Jane F. (2013). Coding in deductive qualitative
analysis. Amazon.
18. References
Gilgun, Jane F. (2012). Enduring themes in qualitative family
research. Journal of Family Theory and Review, 4, 80-95.
Gilgun, Jane F. (2005). Qualitative research and family
psychology. Journal of Family Psychology,19(1), 40-50.
Gilgun, Jane F. (2014). Writing up qualitative research. In
Patricia Leavy (Ed.). The Oxford handbook of qualitative research
methods. New York: Oxford University Press.
Gilgun, Jane F. (in press). Social work-specific research and
theory building. In William Nichols (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Social
and Behavioral Sciences (2nd ed). New York: Elselvier.