Interpretive Analysis
Analysis of the ethnographic data occurred at several levels.
We conducted a first level of analysis individually throughout
the process of data collection, continually reflecting
them against previous data and emerging themes. We conducted
a second level of analysis at intervals throughout
each day in group analysis and synthesis sessions. These
sessions involved the principal researchers and frequently
included research assistants and/or agency personnel who
attended and monitored the events. At these sessions, each
person discussed his or her activities, findings, and insights
from the foregoing period. We used previous findings to
elaborate, test, and delimit emerging themes as well as to
suggest directions for further inquiry. The third level of
analysis involved intensive study of recorded data. The goal
of this analysis was to scrutinize themes more thoroughly
and elaborate those that stood up to scrutiny.