Guidelines

Constructing data displays

1. Consider what appropriate displays can be used to bring together qualitative data so that conclusions can be drawn.
2. Be inventive in using displays; there are no limits on the types of diagrams and illustrations which can be used.
3. Constructing displays is an iterative process where you construct an initial display and draw some tentative conclusions which will be modified, or even overturned, as new items of data become available and new displays are constructed.
4. Be systematic in your approach to constructing displays and analysing data, but be aware that by becoming more formal in your approach there are the dangers of becoming narrow, obsessive or blind to new meaning which might emerge from the data.
5. Use mixed models in your analysis and draw from different methodologies and approaches in your analysis.
6. Remain self-aware of the entire research process and use supportive friends to act as critical voices on matters and issues you are taking for granted.
7. Communicate what you learn with colleagues who are interested in qualitative studies. In particular share your analytical experiences. Source: Miles and Huberman (1994, p. 310).

<< back to checklists and guidelines