Cited by 3,437Qualitative Research Methods and ApplicationsQualitative Research Methods and EthicsComputational and Text Analysis Methods

Qualitative Data Analysis for Health Services Research: Developing Taxonomy, Themes, and Theory

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Bradley, Elizabeth H., Curry, Leslie A., Devers, Kelly J.·2007·Health Services Research

Abstract

Objective. To provide practical strategies for conducting and evaluating analyses of qualitative data applicable for health services researchers. Data Sources and Design. We draw on extant qualitative methodological literature to describe practical approaches to qualitative data analysis. Approaches to data analysis vary by discipline and analytic tradition; however, we focus on qualitative data analysis that has as a goal the generation of taxonomy, themes, and theory germane to health services research. Principle Findings. We describe an approach to qualitative data analysis that applies the principles of inductive reasoning while also employing predetermined code types to guide data analysis and interpretation. These code types (conceptual, relationship, perspective, participant characteristics, and setting codes) define a structure that is appropriate for generation of taxonomy, themes, and theory. Conceptual codes and subcodes facilitate the development of taxonomies. Relationship and perspective codes facilitate the development of themes and theory. Intersectional analyses with data coded for participant characteristics and setting codes can facilitate comparative analyses. Conclusions. Qualitative inquiry can improve the description and explanation of complex, real‐world phenomena pertinent to health services research. Greater understanding of the processes of qualitative data analysis can be helpful for health services researchers as they use these methods themselves or collaborate with qualitative researchers from a wide range of disciplines.

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Crossref · 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2006.00684.x

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Authors
Bradley, E. H., Curry, L. A., & Devers, K. J.
Affiliations
  • Yale University (US)
  • UConn Health (US)
  • Virginia Commonwealth University (US)
Venue
Health Services Research
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2007-01-24
Volume
42
Issue
4
Pages
1758-1772
ISSN
  • 0017-9124 (ISSN-L)
  • 1475-6773
OpenAlex
W1987614881
Cited by
3,437
References
66
Citations by year
2026: 140 · 2025: 209 · 2024: 261 · 2023: 265 · 2022: 334 · 2021: 304 · 2020: 295 · 2019: 238 · 2018: 237 · 2017: 235 · 2016: 189 · 2015: 196 · 2014: 145 · 2013: 118 · 2012: 93
FWCI
149.24
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Health Services Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Qualitative Research Methods and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
  • Social Sciences › General Social Sciences › Computational and Text Analysis Methods
Keywords
qualitative data analysis, taxonomy development, theme development, theory development, inductive reasoning, participant characteristics, intersectional analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration
MeSH terms
Health Services Research, Humans, Statistics as Topic, Qualitative Research

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