The Final Stage in the Four Stages Approach to Data

The final stage in the four stages approach to data analysis is theorisation. In this stage, the researcher looks back at the theoretical framework outlined in the literature review chapter or section of the study. The researcher examines the literature review to see if and how the findings of their study fit with or contradict the findings of the studies and the theorists as they have presented them in their literature review. The researcher, in writing the data analysis stage of the research, demonstrates how their findings fit with, or contradict, the findings of other (published) research project. The researcher shows how, in the writing of the data analysis section or chapter of the research project, the research s/he is carrying out fits with the research published in the field or area. This is the process of theorisation. This is the way in which the researcher knits their research into the body of knowledge. This is the way in which the researcher makes a contribution to the body of knowledge.