So, matrix displays are a good way to summarize data from the field notes. It is possible to summarize as much as 20 pages of field notes into one matrix, which makes it a much easier and more effective way to communicate the results with an audience. Matrix displays are also used as an assist in the data analysis because the researcher can review the matrix in an effort to detect patterns, themes, or trends that may be difficult or impossible to detect by reading and rereading the field notes or other texts. This is analogous to what a guantitative data analyst would do in looking at a contingency table rather than the raw numerical data. Beyond what we have said here, there are few fixed rules about creating matrices. It a creative process, and the exact nature of the matrix is very much driven by the data. However, if you begin qualitative data analysis thinking in terms of matrices, then it may be easier to discover in the data how possible matrices could be created.
Conclusions and Verification