Qualitative content analysis – These three simple elements belong in a results report.
In the methodological literature on qualitative content analysis, a great deal is written about coding, segmenting etc., but what does a results report actually contain? Here I would like to show you what elements a results report typically includes to give you an idea of the end goal of the process.
Basic elements of a descriptive results report
A results report in qualitative research should contain at least three essential elements:
- Code definitions: Here you define the codes used. These definitions are important to show that the results are based on the material and that the work was systematic.
- Explanation of relationships: This element is used to explain the relationships between the various codes and the data.
- Explanation of characteristics: Here, the specific characteristics or variables within a code are presented, often supported by evidence or examples from the data material.
Example of an excerpt from a results report
Let’s take a look at the following excerpt from a code system:
It is a main code with three sub-codes, i.e. with three characteristics. The description can now begin with the main code:
Description of the main code
| Text | Explanation |
| 1 Basic attitudes | |
| Under the category “basic attitudes”, we have recorded the attitudes and approaches that express longer-term orientations towards the learning content. | The topic is defined here. |
| Ambition”, “pragmatism” and “fear” can be identified as basic attitudes. | The characteristics (in this case the subcodes) are presented here… |
| The basic attitudes of the students are very different, they are not mutually exclusive, rather many people have a mixture of several basic attitudes. | and the relationships between these characteristics |
Description of the subcodes
This principle is now followed for all sub-items. The same basic elements are also used for the subcodes. There is only one small difference: just as the respective subcodes are explained as characteristics for main codes, the quotations can be explained and documented for subcodes. Let’s pick out the sub-item “Ambition” as an example:
| Text | Explanation |
| 1.1 Basic attitude – ambition | |
| People who are assigned to this basic attitude of ambition are characterized by the ambition to complete the event as well as possible. The claim to success distinguishes the basic attitude of “ambition” from the basic attitude of “pragmatism”. | The sub-item is definedhere. The definition here even includes criteria for differentiation from other codes. |
| They are prepared to invest time and work outside of the event for this. | Relationships are explained here, e.g. with other codes (in this example “time expenditure”) |
| This is expressed, for example, in the following quote: “B1: I always look it up again at home” (Interview 1, para. 22) | Explanation of the statement using a quotation as evidence. |
(The examples are very loosely based on: Kuckarz, Dresing et.al. Qualitative Evaluation. 2008 p.100ff and have been didactically shortened and edited).
Think about the report when working on the material.
It is important that you not only think about the results at the end of the research process, but also while you are working on the material. Remember that analysis and reporting should run in parallel. Any ambiguity in the assignment of text passages to codes, any peculiarity in the quotations and any discrepancy found between different groups should be recorded immediately in memos. These memos provide valuable material for your results report.
Closing and export
At the end of your analysis, you prepare the material for the results report. You can export all comments, assigned text passages and memos that serve as the basis for the report. This should not only present the results, but also include your methodological approach and reflection on the research process.
Further reading
For a more in-depth discussion of the topic of the results report, we recommend the work “Qualitative and Interpretative Social Research” by Jo Reichertz. You will find valuable information there, especially in chapter 5.6. The book “Qualitative Evaluation” by Kuckartz, Dresing, Rädiker and Stefer not only offers insights into the various phases of a specific project, but also into the resulting report.
You can find the basics of qualitative analysis in the following blog posts, for example:
Qualitative content analysis; according to Mayring or Kuckartz?
Conducting qualitative interviews; 4 basic tips
You can find further citable assistance in our free practical book(PDF download)
