Although we did not use transformative learning as a lens in which to descriptively analyze
the data, it later became apparent that the themes that had emerged using inductive analysis could
be interpreted through the lens of transformative learning theory as described by Mezirow (2000)
and O’Sullivan (2002). Thus in the results and subsequent discussion sections below, we interpret
the themes in light of transformative learning theory. Because we interpret the results in light of
existing theory, rather than create a theory de novo, the notion of “grounded theory” (Strauss &
Corbin, 1998) does not accurately describe the data analysis or interpretation. In other words,
we used existing theory to better understand the implications of the themes that first emerged
inductively, but neither tested existing theory (a deductive approach) nor developed new theory
(a grounded theory approach).
The first author used the qualitative data software HyperRESEARCH to organize quotes into
the relevant codes, and then to create a small number of “master codes” or themes reflecting
aspects of the course that participants reported as having contributed to the significance of their
OAE experience. Through an iterative process of coding, recoding, and looking for discrepant
data, the researcher decided on four themes, three of which encompass subthemes.