Abstract
Public administration scholars and practitioners need to know how state-of-the-art
research is conducted. This article aims to contribute to the dialogue on qualitative
analysis. Focusing on abductive analysis, it further unpacks and explicates the process and practices through which theoretical insight can be created from qualitative data. We offer four principles that guide abductive analysis: (i) embrace
surprises, tensions, and doubts; (ii) use knowledges creatively to theorize; (iii) craft
through methodological bricolage; and (iv) iterate through the research process.
In addition, we discuss the implications of abductive analysis for how we learn,
craft, and reflect on qualitative research.
research is conducted. This article aims to contribute to the dialogue on qualitative
analysis. Focusing on abductive analysis, it further unpacks and explicates the process and practices through which theoretical insight can be created from qualitative data. We offer four principles that guide abductive analysis: (i) embrace
surprises, tensions, and doubts; (ii) use knowledges creatively to theorize; (iii) craft
through methodological bricolage; and (iv) iterate through the research process.
In addition, we discuss the implications of abductive analysis for how we learn,
craft, and reflect on qualitative research.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 567-580 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Public Administration Review |
| Volume | 85 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2025 |
Keywords
- Dance
- Doubt
- Guide
- Management
- Rigor
- Routines