Qualitative Data Analysis: Illuminating a Process for Transforming a ‘Messy’ but ‘Attractive’ ‘Nuisance’

Abstract

The chapter discusses the importance of a researcher in any research project. A researcher is responsible for gaining access to sites and interviewees, maintaining good field relations, collecting data, and writing in creative and credible ways. The chapter presents a loose chronology recounting the analysis of the interview-based evidence gathered. The analysis process outlined in the chapter is emanated from a larger PhD study investigating corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate social disclosure (CSD) in Ireland. The chapter concludes that qualitative research is not value free, and it mainly represents perspective rather than any form of absolute truth. Thus there is never going to be one true story from a set of qualitative data and there is no best method of analysis.