Theory and the breadth-and-depth method of analysing large amounts of qualitative data: a research note
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Theory and the breadth‑and‑depth method of analysing large amounts of qualitative data: a research note Rosalind Edwards1 · Emma Davidson2 · Lynn Jamieson2 · Susie Weller3 Accepted: 10 October 2020 © The Author(s) 2020
Abstract This research note builds on a previously published discussion of the ‘breadth-and-depth’ method for working with extensive amounts of secondary qualitative data, to consider the way that theory can be used and developed as part of this method. We illustrate potential deductive, inductive, and abductive logics of the relationship between theory and data that can be pursued using the method, but note that in reality research analysis rarely proceeds along such clear categorical lines. Rather, qualitative researchers are more likely to pursue a flexible retroductive logic and analytic practice that the breadth-and-depth method also can accommodate. Keywords Breadth-and-depth method · Secondary qualitative data · Theory · Retroductive analysis
1 Introduction In this research note we build upon our published discussion of how to work with extensive qualitative data, to consider the relationship between the methodology and theory. Our article ‘Big data, qualitative style: a breadth-and-depth method for working with large amounts of secondary qualitative data’ was published in Quality &Quantity (Davidson et al. 2018). It puts forward an original 4-step approach for working with a large corpus of qualitative data, undertaking an iterative analysis that can deal with substantial amounts of data but nonetheless retain the rigour, integrity and nuance of qualitative approaches. The article has been accessed over 6500 times at the time of writing, and citations are growing. As a result of the publication we have been invited to present papers on the breadth-and-depth method in the UK and internationally. Some of the questions that we have been asked are concerned with the theoretical substance of the breadth-and-depth method and the various ways users of the method can work * Rosalind Edwards [email protected] 1
SSPC, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
2
Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, University of Edinburgh, 23 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh EH3 9LN, UK
3
Clinical Ethics and Law (CELS), University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
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with theory. In this research note we indicate and illustrate the potential ways in which users of the method may use and develop theory. It is not our intention to advocate for any particular relationship between the breadth-and-depth method and theory, or to engage in debates about the relationship of their relational logics. Rather, this note provides pointers for researchers to consider explicitly their own theory routes working with the breadth-anddepth method.
2 The breadth‑and‑depth project and method The breadth-and-depth approach allows researchers to manage and analyse a large volume of qualitative secondary data, yet retain the distinctive order of knowledge
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