A General Inductive Approach for Analyzing Qualitative Evaluation Data

A general inductive approach for analysis of qualitative evaluation data is described. The purposes for using an inductive approach are to (a) condense raw textual data into a brief, summary format; (b) establish clear links between the evaluation or research objectives and the summary findings deri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of evaluation Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 237 - 246
Main Author: Thomas, David R.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Thousand Oaks, CA Sage Publications 01.06.2006
SAGE Publications
Subjects:
Coding
Data Analysis
Evaluation Methods
Logical Thinking
Methodology (Data Analysis)
Qualitative Methods
Qualitative Research
Trust (Psychology)
qualitative analysis methods
inductive analyses
ISSN:1098-2140, 1557-0878
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A general inductive approach for analysis of qualitative evaluation data is described. The purposes for using an inductive approach are to (a) condense raw textual data into a brief, summary format; (b) establish clear links between the evaluation or research objectives and the summary findings derived from the raw data; and (c) develop a framework of the underlying structure of experiences or processes that are evident in the raw data. The general inductive approach provides an easily used and systematic set of procedures for analyzing qualitative data that can produce reliable and valid findings. Although the general inductive approach is not as strong as some other analytic strategies for theory or model development, it does provide a simple, straightforward approach for deriving findings in the context of focused evaluation questions. Many evaluators are likely to find using a general inductive approach less complicated than using other approaches to qualitative data analysis.
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ISSN:1098-2140
1557-0878
DOI:10.1177/1098214005283748