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Full Text
Hewitt-Taylor J (2001) Use of constant comparative analysis in qualitative research. Nursing Standard. 15, 42, 39-42. Date of acceptance: March 19 2001.
Summary
This article describes the application of constant comparative analysis, which is one method that can be used to analyse qualitative data. The need for data analysis to be congruent with the overall research design is highlighted.
Key words
Research methods
These key words are based on subject headings from the British Nursing Index. This article has been subject to double-blind review.
THE AIM OF qualitative research is to portray the reality of the area under investigation, and to enhance understanding of the situation and the meanings and values attributed to this by individuals; it does not involve the quantification of facts (Rose 1994). Qualitative methods emphasise the value of individual experiences and views, as encountered in real-life situations. This type of investigation is often useful in nursing, as many issues concern the quality of the lived experience of individuals, which cannot be reduced to numerical values using statistical analysis. Sometimes a mixed methodology might be adopted, with elements of qualitative and quantitative enquiry being included in a study.
The nature of qualitative enquiry means that volumes of 'rich', 'deep' data are produced, often from a variety of sources. While not seeking to reduce data to statistical evidence, qualitative data nevertheless requires systematic analysis. Given the volume of data produced, the practicalities of analysing, co-ordinating and ordering data into a form from which conclusions can be drawn and recommendations made, can appear overwhelming. In the qualitative research paradigm, a variety of data analysis procedures are commonly used (Polit and Hungler 1993). This article describes the use of constant comparative analysis, a method of analysing qualitative data where the information gathered is coded into emergent themes or codes. The data is constantly revisited after initial coding, until it is clear that no new themes are emerging. It can be used in a study with a single method of data collection, or in situations where multiple data collection methods have been used.
The study used to illustrate the process of data analysis explored the use of self-directed learning (SDL) in paediatric intensive care nurse education (Hewitt-Taylor 2000). It involved a...