Beyond concept analysis: Uses of mind mapping software for visual representation, management, and analysis of diverse digital data

Mind mapping is a visual ‐spatial method of representing information using nodes (information segments) to show ideas and connecting lines to define relationships between content. As a critical thinking tool, it is applicable to a range of research activities, including information management, project development, and dat a analysis. The purposes of this manuscript are to describe the use of mapping for qualitative data analysis, provide step‐by‐step instructions of how to construct mind maps, and present examples specific to qualitative data analysis. An example from a recent study of patient and provider percep tions of virtual visits demonstrates the use ofXmind in conjunction withAtlas.ti for qualitative content analysis of open ‐ended survey data. While coding inAtlas.ti, we usedXmind to develop dynamic memos, code networks, and themes. The memo map served to identify common coding patterns and informed subsequent coding stages. After coding inAtlas.ti, the entire code list was imported into a new map inXmind and iteratively organized to identify conceptual groupings, similarities/differences, and key ideas. Themes were identified through pattern coding and refining code networks within theXmind map. Map iterations formed part of the analytic trail and facilitated peer ‐to‐peer discussions. The final map served as the model for publication. The use of mind mapping enhanced the rigor, credibility, and transparency of analyses and facilitated peer‐to‐peer c...

Source: Research in Nursing and Health - November 15, 2018 Category: Nursing Authors: Jennifer R. Mammen, Corey R. Mammen Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research