The process of analysis

Earlier this week, I carried out the last interview of this investigation, so I can now say that my data gathering is finally complete! This has been such a relief to me because I have found that conducting a project within a limited time adds an increased level of pressure, especially when the work is dependent on the input and cooperation from others. I can now knuckle-down, focus on the analysis and begin to create my portfolio!

So what is my process of analysis?

During Module 2 whilst I was planning this project, I stated that 'I will be conducting a comparative structure using content analysis', which I will begin to carry out next. I also used the supportive reference below from Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers written by Bell and Waters (2018). 

‘...content analysis could develop ‘emergent coding’, with the categories being formulated as the sources are explored, or there can be a priori coding based upon previous reading and the generation of theoretical ideas.’ Bell and Waters (2018 p.152).

I believe this approach is ideal for this project, and in order to adapt these analytical coding techniques, I have established a colour chart relating to 4 areas of theatre criticism that have been derived from the interview questions and the 3 pieces of literature that I have selected to review.

1. Provision - Use, Purpose, Benefits, Detriment, Damage
2. Communication - Discourse, Content, Length, Star Rating
3. Trust - Fairness, Agenda, Bias, Diversity, Affiliates, Paid
4. Development - Internet, Social Media, Length, Diversity

Over the past few weeks, I have transcribed all the interviews to provide a visual script for analysis, and as painful as this activity was, it has been a very useful task to refresh my memory. It has also enabled me to sift through the data, which initiated the analysis process as I have already become increasingly aware of additional keys themes that have emerged.

These thematic categories will be the main focus of the analysis process when reading through the transcriptions and through the selected literature. This is the part of the investigation that I have been most excited for; I am certain that I will find correlations between these documents and my own experience and preconceived ideas, but it will be even more interesting to find opposing arguments that will be great to compare and write about. 

Visual aids

My preferred working environment and learning technique often focuses on the visual elements of a task, and this is no exception. Once I have located all the references from the different sources, I will be using a table chart, a diagram and mapping in order to link these thematic categories. This will provide a strong basis and visual aid for writing up the data analysis report.

What are your preferred processes of analysis?

Please feel free to comment below and tell me about yours.