Conducting secondary analysis of qualitative data: Should we, can we, and how?. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ruggiano, Nicole; Perry, Tam E
• Is Part Of: Qualitative social work. Volume 18:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 97
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Critical interpretive synthesis -- systematic review -- secondary data analysis -- methodology; Social service -- Periodicals; Social service -- Research -- Periodicals; Social service -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1177/1473325017700701
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-3250

Abstract

While secondary data analysis of quantitative data has become commonplace and encouraged across disciplines, the practice of secondary data analysis with qualitative data has met more criticism and concerns regarding potential methodological and ethical problems. Though commentary about qualitative secondary data analysis has increased, little is known about the current state of qualitative secondary data analysis or how researchers are conducting secondary data analysis with qualitative data. This critical interpretive synthesis examined research articles (n = 71) published between 2006 and 2016 that involved qualitative secondary data analysis and assessed the context, purpose, and methodologies that were reported. Implications of findings are discussed, with particular focus on recommended guidelines and best practices of conducting qualitative secondary data analysis.