Whatever interests, is interesting.

- William Hazlett

When I travel, particularly in unfamiliar places, I am often more aware of how I make sense of my surroundings. Some things are very familiar, but often times I'm overwhelmed by sights and sounds that seem to mean nothing to me. Then, as I start to watch and listen intentionally, I find bits of information that relate to my purpose at the time. I try to connect the bits to what I already know, and eventually something clicks and I make meaning.

I use a similar process to make meaning from research data. However, like data collection, the analysis process is more consciously intentional and systematic. Meaning making in research generally includes data analysis (What's in the data?) and data interpretation (What does it mean?) (Mills, 2000). In this chapter, we consider some qualitative approaches to analysis and some suggestions to help with interpretation.

Data analysis

Qualitative data analysis is a process of reviewing and looking for patterns in the data that you have collected. Although it might include summarizing responses, it goes beyond that. You will likely begin to analyze your data as you collect it. Once you've collected your information, analysis becomes more intense or more of a focus. Although this chapter includes suggestions and examples of how to do analysis, you will make your own way. It may be messy and you may get bogged down. Reflective activities and connecting with others may be especially important at this time.

Although interpretation also occurs along the way, this will also be more of a focus as you complete the analysis. As possible and relevant, present your analysis to your participants and ask for their feedback about it. They might agree or disagree with the sense you make of their words and ideas, and they might help you extend the analysis.

Creativity consists of 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.

- Thomas Edison

Analyzing along the way

During data collection, it can be useful to take a break and review what you have collected to that point. In light of what you have collected, consider:

• Is your question still answerable and worth answering?
• Are you collecting the kind of data you need to address your question? Are your methods and tools working for you?
• Are there any gaps, missing voices or missed questions?

Analysis along the way will help you decide if you need to gather more or different information, or use different approaches or questions. You'll likely have more opportunities to do analysis along the way if you are doing a longer-term study (e.g., tutoring over several weeks) than in a shorter-term one (interviews with a number of people in a short time).