Resisting the Robotic – Moving Fluidly Towards Soulful Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Qualitative inquiry is known for the generation of knowledge that is expressive, subjective, rich, and comprehensive. While there are prospects for qualitative research to inform and improve praxis, thin engagement with qualitative analysis threatens the meaningfulness of the produced findings. Novice and emerging researchers may long for the aid of a technical guide outlining procedural steps as they learn to become qualitative scholars. However, prescriptive and mechanical processing of data confines the researcher’s capacity to extend and leverage their creativity. Rather, it is through the researcher’s intuition and being “present” that one can begin to interact with data in a fluid and reflexive manner. Drawing on nursing practice, although relevant to other disciplines, this article challenges the robotic ways of analyzing qualitative data. We offer a discussion on robotic care versus Lanoix’s “thickly embodied and relational” care, nursing presence, and how one may apply patient-centred care to the analytical processes in qualitative research, not limited to nursing or healthcare research. By engaging in an embodied manner with analysis, possibilities are opened up for producing knowledge that is profound, compelling, and impactful. Using arts-based research approaches, we share an artistic-informed reflection on embracing uncertainty and finding strength in vulnerability while interacting with the art piece as a strategy for being reflexive. The art piece uses painting, fluid art specifically, to highlight the need for creativity and reflexivity in qualitative analysis. Through the embodied art experience with immersing oneself in creative space, we make the connection with enabling researchers to move fluidly, without restraint, towards soulful qualitative analysis.