Qualitative Analysis#

Methods for collecting and processing non-numerical data including interviews, observations, and open-ended text - to understand meaning, experience, and context behind agent behavior.

affinity mapping#

Definition: qualitative research method for organizing and grouping related ideas or observations; participants sort data points - notes, quotes, themes - into clusters based on natural relationships

Purpose: commonly used in UX research and design thinking to synthesize findings into identifiable patterns

Related Terms: codebook, qualitative research, synthesis

codebook#

Definition: structured guide used in qualitative research to categorize and tag data consistently; defines categories, codes, and rules for applying them to text or observations

Purpose: ensures systematic analysis across multiple researchers or datasets

dissemination#

Definition: systematic sharing of research findings with target audiences beyond the research team; requires planning for audience, timing, and appropriate communication channels

Purpose: ensures knowledge can advance the field, change practice and policy, or inform future research

Example: journal publications, conference presentations, social media, press releases, websites

Related Terms: synthesis

qualitative research#

Definition: method focused on understanding meaning, experiences, and context through non-numerical data; produces insights about “why” and “how” rather than “how many”

Purpose: collects data through interviews, observations, open-ended surveys, and document analysis to surface context that numerical data alone can’t capture

synthesis#

Definition: process of combining multiple research findings or data points into coherent insights; transforms raw observations into patterns, themes, and actionable conclusions

Purpose: critical step between data collection and decision-making

Related Terms: affinity mapping, dissemination, qualitative research