Qualitative secondary analysis in austere times: ethical, professional and methodological considerations

Journal article | Zeitschriftenartikel

Recent debates in qualitative secondary analysis (QSA) have sought to move beyond polarising arguments in order to develop more nuanced perspectives on the epistemological, analytical and practical opportunities and challenges associated with its methods. This is generally to be welcomed, although there are also signs of unhelpful primary/secondary divisions finding new forms of expression. Focusing on definitional issues and wider contexts of QSA helps to explain the possible sources of ongoing tensions while affording tentative insights into potential opportunities and synergies across the primary/secondary spectrum. Building on work undertaken within the Timescapes Qualitative Longitudinal study, the article also highlights some under-examined costs and risks that may come along with new opportunities created by secondary analysis. Issues of over-privileging secondary analysis claims, making and the timing of qualitative secondary analysis are foregrounded as requiring further consideration if researchers are to take seriously lingering suspicions and fears about qualitative secondary analysis and not dismiss them as simply reactionary or self-serving.

Object Details

• Alternative title: Qualitative Sekundäranalyse in schwierigen Zeiten: ethische, fachliche und methodologische Überlegungen
• ISSN: 0172-6404
• Extent: Seite(n): 271-292
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Status: Veröffentlichungsversion; begutachtet (peer reviewed)

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Historical Social Research, 38(4)

Classification and Topics

• Subject: Sozialwissenschaften, Soziologie ; Forschungsarten der Sozialforschung ; Erhebungstechniken und Analysetechniken der Sozialwissenschaften ; Datengewinnung ; Erkenntnistheorie ; Methodologie ; Längsschnittuntersuchung ; Teamarbeit ; Ethik ; Datenqualität ; Handlungsorientierung ; qualitative Methode ; Sekundäranalyse ; Methodik ; Datenaufbereitung

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Coltart, Carrie ; Henwood, Karen ; Shirani, Fiona
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Deutschland
• (when): 2013

Further information

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12759/hsr.38.2013.4.271-292
• URN: urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-383518
• Rights: GESIS - Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften. Bibliothek Köln
• Last update: 21.06.2024, 4:26 PM CEST