Some practical aspects of qualitative data analysis: One way of organising the cognitive processes associated with the generation of grounded theory

This paper has presented practical details of a tested and tried procedure which it is hoped will be of use to researchers facing the problem of analysing qualitative data, and particularly to those interested in the use of grounded theory. Behind the presentation of this procedure lies a concern that the processes of research should be as open as possible, so that neither the processes of research nor their findings are subjected to mystifications which conceal their true nature from other researchers, from the subjects of research, or from those seeking to understand the research findings when they are reported. There is, of course, an element of risk in advocating such frankness, for the researcher who lays his procedures open to public scrutiny may suddenly discover that, like the emperor, he has no clothes. But it would seem, in general, that the interests of social research can only be furthered by more discussion of the details of research procedures, particularly those which are close to the creative centre of theory building.