"Put Feelings Where They're Useful": How Qualitative Researchers Use Emotions in Data Analysis

• In Event: Reflexivities, Positionalities, and Interrogations

Abstract

Qualitative researchers acknowledge that our own thoughts and feelings are inextricable from our research. Yet, we receive little guidance on how to engage emotions without being swayed by personal biases. Author (2020) developed a framework called “emotion coding” for systematically engaging thoughts and emotions in qualitative data analysis. In the current study, 15 qualitative researchers piloted emotion coding to analyze their own data. Our interviews suggest they appreciated the method and want it to be part of doctoral curriculum, but struggled to identify and articulate their emotions enough to use the framework. Implications for doctoral training are discussed.

Authors

• Hilary Lustick, University of Massachusetts - Lowell
  Presenting Author

• Xiaoye Yang, University of Massachusetts - Lowell
  Presenting Author

• Abeer Hakouz, University of Massachusetts - Lowell
  Presenting Author