A Reflexive Account of Reusing Qualitative Data: Beyond Primary/Secondary Dualism

Libby Bishop

Sociological Research Online, 2007, vol. 12, issue 3, 43-56

Abstract: Though secondary analysis of qualitative data is becoming more prevalent, relatively few methodological studies exist that provide reflection on the actual, not idealised, process. This paper offers a reflexive account of secondary analysis focused on the topic of convenience food and choice. Several phases of the research process are examined: understanding context, defining a subject area, finding data and sampling, later sampling and topic refinement, and relating to transcripts. For each phase, I explore if reusing data is different from using it in the first instance, and if so, how those differences manifest themselves. The paper closes with reflections on the differences, similarities, and relationships between primary and secondary analysis of qualitative data. Although differences exist regarding the researcher-respondent relationship, primary and secondary analyses are more alike than not. The suitability of each approach can only be assessed in light of a particular research question.

Keywords: Convenience Food; Data Archives; Qualitative Data; Reflexivity; Data Re-Use; Secondary Analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:socres:v:12:y:2007:i:3:p:43-56

DOI: 10.5153/sro.1553

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