The analysis

that you:

• Break down your object of analysis into smaller parts and systemise them.
• Investigate and evaluate your object of analysis based on academic concepts.
• Think of the analysis as a preparation for your discussion.

In the analysis, you need to demonstrate your mastery and overview of the subject. You do this by demonstrating that you are capable of choosing the relevant analysis methods in relation to your object of analysis. And of course, you need to explain why they are relevant.

Yes, you can.

The form of analysis is typically less rigid

Usually, the form of analysis is less rigid in terms of what should be included. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to argue why it’s a good idea to combine analysis and discussion.

If your analysis covers multiple themes, it can make sense to discuss the results of the analysis on an ongoing basis.

A good analysis is the foundation for a good discussion.

Find connections

A good analysis breaks down the whole into parts and finds commonalities

Be systematic

Make your analysis follows a system or methodology that makes sense in relation to your research question.

Be curious

A good analysis often finds interesting details that may be well hidden in the big picture. Details that may be surprising to you and only become apparent in your analysis.

The analysis is a prerequisite for the discussion.

Coherence between analysis and discussion

You’ll find the exciting elements of your object of analysis in the analysis. But it’s only in the discussion that you should try to understand what the elements mean.

A good analysis is a good starting point for a good discussion. Conversely, a flawed and unclear analysis seldom leads to a good discussion.

Yes, if you have one. However, you don't always have one, and that’s perfectly fine.

However, it is important that you adopt some kind of system in your analysis.

There’s no template for this, but it’s all about finding details and commonalities.

Example

Through qualitative interviews, you have investigated the exercise habits of 60-year-old men. All informants talk about the difference between exercising alone or with others. As you systematise their answers, you discover that one common thread is that men find it most difficult to be active when they’re single.

As early as possible in the writing process.

The analysis points to the theoretical angles

Ultimately, it’s the result of your analysis that tells you which theoretical angles to take. On the other hand, you need to have a good idea of the theoretical content when creating a research question and choosing your object of analysis.

Maybe the analysis reveals something you hadn’t realised beforehand?

Another reason to get started on the analysis as soon as possible is so that you can make adjustments if something exciting comes up in the analysis that you didn’t expect.

A circular process

It’s often necessary to return to the analysis as you learn more about what you’re actually figuring out.

Checklist for the analysis

• Are you being systematic in your analytic approach?
• Does your analysis tell you what to discuss?
• If necessary, have you adjusted your theoretical angles according to the results of your analysis?