Un perfil de contrato electrónico: Aunque ya hemos conversado

One of the main challenges surrounding qualitative research is that it usually generates large amounts of textual data which then must be analysed; this is the case in this study. Miles (1979) referred to qualitative data as an “attractive nuisance” due to the fact that it provides us with rich detail but leaves us with the problem of finding an analytical path through that richness. Thematic analysis is a broad approach covering those methods that are used for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns (themes) within data (Braun & Clarke, 2006). All styles of thematic analysis share two main characteristics; the need to define themes that encapsulates important aspects of the data and to then organise these themes in a structure that demonstrates conceptual relationships between the themes (King & Brooks, 2016). The

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choice of a method of data analysis for qualitative data must be guided by the methodological position of the study and its underlying epistemological and ontological assumptions.

Template analysis (King 1998) is a generic style of thematic analysis which is not

inextricably linked to any particular methodology or underlying philosophy and therefore can be used within a variety of epistemological positions (Waring & Wainwright, 2008). It offers a balance of structure and flexibility in how it handles textual data and is suited to those taking a contextual approach i.e. data is understood as being a part of a broader existence (King & Brooks, 2016). Madill, Jordan and Shirley (2000) refer to this as a “contextual constructivist.” Although a relatively new qualitative data analysis method, template analysis has similarities with other data matrices-based methods, most notably those developed by Miles and Huberman (1994).

Within phenomenological studies, template analysis is regarded as an alternative to

interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), with both recognising the need for greater interpretation of the data in comparison to descriptive phenomenological approaches. However, template analysis, unlike IPA which is always inductive and grounded in the data with themes emerging from the text (Langridge, 2007), allows for a template of themes to be constructed before reading any transcripts and can be used to examine the data for meaning. Thus a priori codes can be defined on the basis of previous research and literature which may help guide the analysis, providing direction and focus. The initial template however is not fixed and template analysis requires the analysts to review and examine the data on numerous occasions to elicit new meanings and experiences. Template analysis, also unlike IPA, does allow for cross-case analysis and longitudinal studies and also allows for the analysis of more cases than perhaps other interpretative methods (King & Brooks, 2016).

4.7.2.1 Appropriateness of Template Analysis for this Study

The research questions and objectives were fairly narrow in focus and as such initial data analysis also drew upon the principles employed within a typological analysis procedural framework (LeCompte & Preissle, 1993). Here, initial typologies (categories) were generated from the literature and research objectives, and early data processing occurred within these typological groupings presented as a priori themes. This then allowed for advancement to the next level of analysis with analytic generalisations/summaries produced related to the

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research questions/objectives from which an interpretive dimension to the

generalisations/summaries was provided. Hatch (2002) suggests that studies which approach their data analysis in such a way will be richer and that findings will be more substantial (see Figure 4.6 for detail as to how the data analysis progressed).

As a method of qualitative data analysis, template analysis was most suited to this study. The methodology as described in this chapter required an analytical method which was flexible and fluid. The use of a priori themes (or typologies) was helpful in a mixed method approach as it created the potential to integrate the findings from the quantitative data with the

qualitative analysis. That the process began with a more deductive phase did not prohibit the researcher from being aware that other important themes were likely to be present and indeed emerge from the data, nor did it preclude the researcher from being receptive to searching for them.

Furthermore, within this study there was a strong emphasis on inter-group comparison – between academic staff and students. The template analysis method allows for this by giving the researcher the flexibility to produce a separate template for each group and then allow differences between these to suggest comparisons, or to produce a single template for both groups and then compare the patterns or themes across the groups. In this study it was decided that a common single template for both groups would be most appropriate as it was the best way to compare the impact of the relationship across the groups and over an

extended period of time. The significance of the flexibility to modify the template was

important also within this research, allowing researcher reflexivity due to the iterative process of reviewing codes and assessing their appropriateness at the different stages of the research. It also allowed for the further development of those themes with the richest features of the data in relation to the research question.