Generating initial codes

Coding interesting features of the data in a systematic fashion across the entire data set, collating data relevant to each code. An inclusive process and also important to retain accounts that depart from dominant story

3.Searching for themes

Collating codes into potential themes, gathering all data relevant to each potential theme.

4.Review of themes and development of thematic map

Review of themes to ensure they are coherent and meaningful, with clear and identifiable distinctions between themes. Conducted at level of coded extracts (level 1 review) and themes(level 2 review) to generate a ‘thematic map’ of the analysis

5.Defining and naming themes

On-going analysis to refine each theme and generate clear definitions and names for each. Further revision of the overall analysis as required.

6.Producing the report

The production of the research report provides a final opportunity for further analysis.

Source: Braun & Clarke (2006)

Throughout the process of analysis the tools available within the qualitative software, NVivo™ (version 10 © QSR International) were used to assist data interrogation. The tools used frequently included the coding function, memo development and modelling tool. The ability to add the audio-recordings to the project database also facilitated the ability to listen to the recordings whilst undertaking the analysis. Many other tools are available within NVivo (Bazeley & Jackson 2013) but their use was not found to facilitate the analytic process.

The analysis took place as follows and the development of initial codes and themes is illustrated in Appendix 6. Analysis of the encounter and interview datasets was initially undertaken separately to ensure full consideration of data from the encounter, a key focus within the research question and to enable sensitivity to other issues that might emerge within the interviews. The resulting codes and emergent themes were however recorded within one folder within the NVivo™ database to enable the eventual integration of the analysis from each source.

1. Developing familiarity with the data

The transcripts were read through at least four times whilst listening to the audio- recordings, a strategy which was found to facilitate the identification of significant

points or statements. Written notes were made about issues of interest and possible codes that were apparent in the transcripts.

2. Generating initial codes

Codes were developed based on elements of the data that appeared interesting and relevant to the study’s focus. Codes were identified from both encounters and interviews together with those that were common to both data sets. Both semantic codes which were interesting in descriptive terms and latent codes which potentially reflected underpinning discourses were noted (Braun & Clarke 2006). Coding took place on an inclusive basis so that segments of surrounding data were included in each code to illustrate the context of what was being said. Care was taken to ensure the inclusion of data segments which did not support the focus of identified codes.

3. Searching for themes

The process of searching for themes began once all of the encounters and interviews had been coded. This was an active process, involving the identification of possible themes amongst the codes and also ensuring that the themes reflected the coded data extracts. Several iterations of the thematic structure occurred at this stage as the relationships between codes and themes were reviewed extensively and the levels of each theme were assessed to determine overarching themes and sub-themes. The codes and preliminary themes identified are presented in appendix 6.

4. Review of themes and development of thematic map

Review was then undertaken of all collated codes for each theme apparent within each data set (Braun & Clarke 2006). Codes were reviewed to ensure that they formed a coherent pattern. Any codes that were not congruent with the emergent pattern were examined further to identify whether they were characteristic of another theme or whether the theme itself needed to be re-developed. Analysis then focused on the themes identified, considering the extent to which there was sufficient data to support each theme and whether themes were coherent and meaningful. Clear and identifiable distinctions between each theme were also sought. Where necessary, themes were merged or re-organised to achieve the required definition of the themes. A thematic map was identified for each of the encounter and interview data sets. Further review of all themes was then

undertaken to identify a meaningful and coherent organisation that characterised both data sets and a final thematic map was developed.

5. Defining and naming of themes

This stage of analysis involved further refining and definition of the themes. Each theme was subject to a detailed analysis involving returning to the collated data extracts and organising them into a coherent and consistent narrative account of the theme’s nature and function.

This process resulted in the development of several themes and the identification of potential discourses although, as suggested by Braun & Clarke (2006), further analysis also occurred whilst writing up the analysis and the final themes and discourses identified are explored in the following chapters.

4.11. Summary

This chapter has justified the use of a generic approach to discourse analysis and highlighted the subsequent need for a coherent strategy to facilitate rigour. The approach to ensuring rigour within the study was justified, including the use of two forms of textual data within the study. A comprehensive overview was provided of the ways in which the data were collected, including the sampling strategy and the nature of the sample recruited to the study. The ethical principles and practice underpinning the conduct of the study were outlined together with examples of situated ethical judgement. The chapter concluded with a discussion of the analytic process.

The findings of the study are presented in the following two chapters. As already discussed analysis of the encounter and interview data was initially undertaken separately and the results from each analysis are explored in chapters 5 and 6 respectively. The overall analysis of findings from both data sets is then discussed in chapter 7.