Miles and Huberman (1994) view qualitative analysis as comprised of three
distinct components that interact with the data as well as each other. First, data reduction
occurs before, during, and after interviews have been conducted. By contextualizing the
study and developing an interview guide, the researcher has already cut down and
focused the data to be collected prior to the start of study. This process continues as
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transcripts are reduced to meaningful codes and memos guide the researcher in making
analytical choices that influence additional data collection.
Second, the researcher displays the data in an organized and compressed manner
that allows for conclusions to be drawn. The authors suggest vigilance during this point
in the process as the human mind tends towards simplification when presented with
overwhelming amounts of information (such as that produced in the qualitative extended
text). This surfeit of data can lead the researcher to an over-simplification of patterns or
to an emphasis on more colorful data. A suggested solution is the use of matrices, graphs,
and charts which map out and display data in meaningful and illustrative ways that
facilitate the process of drawing accurate and significant conclusions. As competing
interpretations and outliers surface they are explored and used to establish a more
nuanced understanding of the data set.
Third, conclusion-drawing begins with vague, seemingly amorphous ideas that
then become more explicit and better grounded in the data. Conclusions are considered
valid only when they are demonstrated through an audit trail which maps a path from
evidence to conclusions to validate findings (Schwandt & Halpern, 1988).Selection of Participants