Analysing Qualitative Data: The Use of Storytellers as Validators in the Construction of Analyses

Abstract

This paper demonstrates how the perspectives of stakeholder groups regarding contested issues can be represented
with a degree of credibility. This is possible when interviewees are used as externals to verify, refute, or to improve
constructed analyses of their own stories before conclusions are drawn. As assumptions differ about what reality is and
whether or not it is measurable, researchers are beginning to focus more on approaches and techniques that can
improve validation of their findings. This paper proposes an approach to help achieve this. The paper draws on the
author’s experience as a researcher in a study that focussed on how Developmental Agencies (DAs) – specifically
Amnesty International, Water Aid, Christian Aid, Action Aid, and Oxfam GB could improve their use of Donor Funds
(DFs). Using this method, interviewees are given the opportunity to review constructed analyses in order to verify or
amend how their perspectives are presented. They clarify, make corrections and provide further insights to their initial
stories. The aggregated reconstructions are then relied on to arrive at agreed representations. The proposed approach
demonstrates how to engage storytellers in the validation of analyses and findings regarding contested issues. Five
elements are discussed in relation to the subject, these are, Story-tellers, Constructed Analyses, Contested Issues,
Aggregated Reconstructions and Validating Findings.