This open access resource was conceptualized and created as part of a graduate research companion designed to meet the needs of students who are pursuing Masters (thesis) or Doctoral (dissertation) research. This resource is the second in a series on qualitative research designs and methods and will serve to supplement the open access article I developed and published in July 2025: Critical Qualitative Research: Underlying Philosophy, Foundational Principles, and Real-World Application to Dissertation Research. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/3941.
As the author of these resources, I envision this second student research companion to be part of an ongoing series of resources that will assist students and faculty researchers. My goal in creating this resource is to share my knowledge and insights regarding qualitative data analysis, and specifically how relevant strategies and techniques may be successfully incorporated in a qualitative dissertation. The comprehensive resource was compiled to be instrumental in shedding light on all aspects of qualitative data analysis, providing both theoretical background and practical “pointers”; thereby raising the general level of research competence and paving the way for graduate-level researchers in understanding the qualitative options available to design and conduct feasible and rigorous studies that will meet programmatic requirements and expectations. This research companion has multidisciplinary relevance and will be invaluable to a wide audience in the social sciences, whatever their level of knowledge and experience. The information provided herein will be of assistance to students who are enrolled in qualitative research courses or who may be intending to or currently conducting a qualitative research study. For those who have already adopted a qualitative path this resource provides additional rich information serving to augment or enhance current understanding. Moreover, the material contained herein will also hopefully be of use and value to seasoned researchers or instructors who are seeking additional knowledge and expertise regarding qualitative data analysis.
In all materials that I develop I am committed to equity and inclusion thereby making OER resources accessible for all students. As the author of this resource, I have ensured that ethical considerations are meaningfully interwoven throughout, and that all the material contained herein was thoughtfully developed and presented so as to be inclusive and accessible with the goal of being readily adopted and embraced by all learners. I certainly hope you find this new resource useful, insightful, thought-provoking, and applicable to your studies!
I wish you much success and fulfillment as you pursue your educational journey.
Best regards, Linda Dale Bloomberg EdD
