Analysing your data

For the purposes of analysis, research data can be categorised as either quantitative (numbers-based) or qualitative (visual or text-/word-based). In this chapter, we detail some of the major tools or techniques that researchers use to analyse data belonging to these two substantive types. We begin by exploring qualitative approaches, including content analysis, narrative analysis, and discourse analysis. Within this context, we also explore relevant additional theoretical perspectives, including grounded theory. Our exploration of quantitative approaches includes assessing the value of descriptive tools and techniques, as well as an evaluation of the use and application of inferential analytical techniques.