Table Of ContentMODES OF THINKING FOR
QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
Modes of Thinking for Qualitative Data Analysis argues for engagement with the
conceptual underpinnings of five prominent analytical strategies used by
qualitative researchers: Categorical Thinking, Narrative Thinking, Dialectical
Thinking, Poetical Thinking, and Diagrammatical Thinking. By presenting
such disparate modes of research in the space of a single text, Freeman not only
draws attention to the distinct methodological and theoretical contributions
of each, she also establishes a platform for choosing among particular research
strategies by virtue of their strengths and limitations. Experienced qualitative
researchers, novices, and graduate students from many disciplines will gain new
insight from the theory-practice relationship of analysis advanced in this text.
Melissa Freeman is Professor of Qualitative Research Methodologies in the
College of Education at the University of Georgia.
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MODES OF THINKING
FOR QUALITATIVE
DATA ANALYSIS
Melissa Freeman
First published 2017
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Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Names: Freeman, Melissa, author.
Title: Modes of thinking for qualitative data analysis / by Melissa Freeman.
Description: New York : Routledge, 2017.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016011088| ISBN 9781629581781 (hardback) |
ISBN 9781629581798 (pbk.)
Subjects: LCSH: Qualitative research. | Cognitive styles. | Thought and
thinking.
Classification: LCC H62 .F7225 2017 | DDC 001.4/2—dc23
LC record available at http://lccn.loc.gov/2016011088
ISBN: 978-1-62958-178-1 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-62958-179-8 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-51685-1 (ebk)
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CONTENTS
List of Illustrations ix
Preface xi
Acknowledgments xvii
1 Introduction 1
Why Focus on Analysis? 3
Thinking, not Thought 5
A Brief Introduction to the Modes of Thinking 6
Modes of Thinking for Qualitative Data Analysis 10
The Modes of Thinking in Dynamic Relation 10
2 Categorical Thinking 16
Introduction to Categorical Thinking 16
Characteristics of Categorical Thinking 19
Categorical Thinking in Practice 21
Deciding on Categorical Thinking for Analysis 25
3 Narrative Thinking 30
Introduction to Narrative Thinking 30
Characteristics of Narrative Thinking 32
Narrative Thinking in Practice 37
Deciding on Narrative Thinking for Analysis 41
4 Dialectical Thinking 46
Introduction to Dialectical Thinking 46
Characteristics of Dialectical Thinking 50
viii Contents
Dialectical Thinking in Practice 56
Deciding on Dialectical Thinking for Analysis 63
5 Poetical Thinking 72
Introduction to Poetical Thinking 72
Characteristics of Poetical Thinking 75
Poetical Thinking in Practice 82
Deciding on Poetical Thinking for Analysis 86
6 Diagrammatical Thinking 93
Introduction to Diagrammatical Thinking 93
Characteristics of Diagrammatical Thinking 97
Diagrammatical Thinking in Practice 105
Deciding on Diagrammatical Thinking for Analysis 107
7 Teaching Qualitative Analysis 115
On Diversity 118
On Tradition 119
On Reflexive Dialogical Practice 121
Final Thoughts 126
Index 130
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figures
1.1 The Modes of Thinking in Dynamic Relation 12
2.1 Connecting Categories to Concepts 21
3.1 Dimensions of Plot 36
4.1 Dialectical Friction and Emergence 52
5.1 Poetics as Infinite Dialogue 80
6.1 A Phenomenon Becoming 103
Tables
1.1 Modes of Thinking for Qualitative Data Analysis 11
4.1 Two Approaches to Dialectical Thinking in Practice 57
