Sort and Sift, Think and Shift: Let the Data Be Your Guide An Applied Approach to Working With, Learning From, and Privileging Qualitative Data

The Sort and Sift, Think Shift qualitative data analysis approach is an iterative process where analysts dive into to understand its content, dimensions, properties, then step back assess what they have learned determine next steps. Researchers move from establishing understanding of in the (“Diving In”) exploring their relationship (“Stepping Back”). This “Diving In” “Stepping Back” repeated throughout analysis. To conclude, researchers arrive at evidence-based meeting point that a hybrid story content researcher knowledge. illustrate core tenets Shift, we analyzed three focus group transcripts study postnatal care referral behavior by traditional birth attendants Nigeria; these came Syracuse University’s Qualitative Data Repository were unfamiliar analytic team prior this exercise. We focused on letting be our guide not only explicit purpose interviews, but also unexpected discoveries arise when inquiring about people’s lived experiences. Situating efforts within Initial Learning Period, each member closely read transcript, identified powerful quotations made us pause take note. documented transcript episode profile which contained diagrams memos. Episode profiles shared discussed across identify key points interest, such as role faith women’s decision-making processes related pregnancy delivery preferences, concepts who bears knowledge reproductive health. Our engagement exercise demonstrates applicability inquiry Sift flexible approaches for applied research.