Qualitative researchers often find data analysis to be challenging, thus resulting in a process of seeking out and conforming to ready-made analytical methods to substantiate the analyses. However, ready-made analytical methods do not necessarily fully fit with all or any data; instead qualitative methodologies and analysis require adaptations. In this paper, a practical 4-step analytic approach that applies a 2-part framework is proposed. The Analytic Guiding Frame (AGF) and Overall Guiding Frame (OGF) form a practical and theoretical platform for complicated analytic processes to occur. In this paper I describe how use of this approach enables qualitative researchers to make critically reflexive connections through an interrogation of their methodological and analytic decisions. Additionally, the audit trail that this approach provides helps justify the occurrence of an analytic shift
