Interpretation of qualitative data

Chapter 14 in Robson’s book is on ‘The analysis of qualitative data’. He cites several authors for guidance but reminds us that ‘The central requirement in qualitative analysis is clear thinking on the part of the analyst’ (p459). Analysis must be

• explicit,
• systematic,
• transparent
• well reasoned

so that another person could repeat the analysis. Qualitative data are always open to interpretation and the researcher’s particular bias must be made clear. What may not be replicated is the interpretation or meaning that different researchers will give to the analysis.