Constructing an argument through data analysis

Abstract

Many researchers working with qualitative data stop at providing a simple descriptive account of the key (or interesting) points or themes identified in their data. While description is a necessary starting point in reporting research results, in many cases it is just that-a starting point to provide necessary context and the parameters of the concepts and ideas with which the research is concerned. My goal in this chapter is to encourage researchers using qualitative data to use, and then go beyond categories and themes to build an argument grounded in their data that could: - establish understanding - explain a (causal) process - be relevant to theory and practice, and - convince an audience. Only then will researchers working with qualitative data gain the respect as well as the publishing and funding opportunities afforded to those who work with hard numbers and "real" data. And for those in practice, it is no longer sufficient to act on the basis of tradition and handed-down wisdom. The demand, now, is to provide evidence in support of practice-an ability to justify (argue for) practice choices and procedures on the basis of research data and analyses. On the personal side, developing a strong argument and perhaps an iliuminating model, in contrast to simply reporting themes, provides deep intellectual satisfaction as does being able to convincingly pass on wisdom to others