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Big data, qualitative style: a breadth-and-depth method for working with large amounts of secondary qualitative data

Author

Listed:
  • Emma Davidson

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Rosalind Edwards

    (University of Southampton)

  • Lynn Jamieson

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Susie Weller

    (University of Southampton)

Abstract

Archival storage of data sets from qualitative studies presents opportunities for combining small-scale data sets for reuse/secondary analysis. In this paper, we outline our approach to combining multiple qualitative data sets and explain why working with a corpus of ‘big qual’ data is a worthwhile endeavour. We present a new approach that iteratively combines recursive surface thematic mapping and in-depth interpretive work. Our breadth-and-depth method involves a series of steps: (1) surveying archived data sets to create a new assemblage of data; (2) recursive surface thematic mapping in dialogue with (3) preliminary ‘test pit’ analysis, remapping and repetition of preliminary analysis; and (4) in-depth analysis of the type that is familiar to most qualitative researchers. In so doing, we show how qualitative researchers can conduct ‘big qual’ analysis while retaining the distinctive order of knowledge about social processes that is the hallmark of rigorous qualitative research, with its integrity of attention to nuanced context and detail.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma Davidson & Rosalind Edwards & Lynn Jamieson & Susie Weller, 2019. "Big data, qualitative style: a breadth-and-depth method for working with large amounts of secondary qualitative data," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 53(1), pages 363-376, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:53:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1007_s11135-018-0757-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-018-0757-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Martyn Hammersley, 2010. "Can We Re-Use Qualitative Data via Secondary Analysis? Notes on Some Terminological and Substantive Issues," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 15(1), pages 47-53, February.
    2. Dubois, Anna & Gadde, Lars-Erik, 2014. "“Systematic combining”—A decade later," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(6), pages 1277-1284.
    3. Halford, Susan & Savage, Mike, 2017. "Speaking sociologically with big data: symphonic social science and the future for big data research," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 87236, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nathaniel Poor, 2020. "Open-Source’s Inspirations for Computational Social Science: Lessons from a Failed Analysis," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(3), pages 231-238.
    2. Hald, Julie & Gillespie, Alex & Reader, Tom W., 2024. "Problems in dealing with problems: how breakdowns in corrective culture lead to institutional failure," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 122814, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Rosalind Edwards & Susie Weller & Emma Davidson & Lynn Jamieson, 2023. "Small Stories of Home Moves: A Gendered and Generational Breadth-and-Depth Investigation," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 28(1), pages 210-227, March.
    4. Mariana Madruga de Brito & Danny Otto & Christian Kuhlicke, 2021. "Tracking Topics and Frames Regarding Sustainability Transformations during the Onset of the COVID-19 Crisis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-19, October.
    5. Catherine Dodds & Peter Keogh & Adam Bourne & Lisa McDaid & Corinne Squire & Peter Weatherburn & Ingrid Young, 2021. "The Long and Winding Road: Archiving and Re-Using Qualitative Data from 12 Research Projects Spanning 16 Years," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 26(2), pages 269-287, June.
    6. Chih-Hsing Liu & Jeou-Shyan Horng & Sheng-Fang Chou & Tai-Yi Yu & Yung-Chuan Huang & Jun-You Lin, 2023. "Integrating big data and marketing concepts into tourism, hospitality operations and strategy development," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 57(2), pages 1905-1922, April.
    7. Stefania Capogna, 2023. "Sociology between big data and research frontiers, a challenge for educational policies and skills," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 57(1), pages 193-212, February.
    8. Stefan Bouzarovski & Harriet Thomson & Marine Cornelis, 2021. "Confronting Energy Poverty in Europe: A Research and Policy Agenda," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-19, February.
    9. Rosalind Edwards & Emma Davidson & Lynn Jamieson & Susie Weller, 2021. "Theory and the breadth-and-depth method of analysing large amounts of qualitative data: a research note," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 55(4), pages 1275-1280, August.
    10. Alnoor Bhimani, 2020. "Digital data and management accounting: why we need to rethink research methods," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 31(1), pages 9-23, April.

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