Marcia Reynolds, Psy.D.
The researcher read the transcripts of the interviews in their entirety the first time around to get “a feel for them” and to hear the “voices behind the words.” Then the data was reviewed for themes and significant statements, metaphors and choices within each narrative and across participants. In addition, notes were taken during the interviews to help interpret the feelings and meanings of decisions and events described by the women.
During this process, issues that needed clarification and ideas that need fleshing out were noted. In addition to these questions, the transcripts were sent to the women so they would have a biography, told in their own words, that they could verify and amend if necessary. (Gersick & Kram, 2002)
The purpose of administering the survey to the remaining 65 women was to validate and enrich the interview data. Their comments served to both validate and invalidate the themes that emerged in the interviews and to suggest recommendations for further study. The themes, as described in this essay and the next essay, were then fleshed out using quotes and examples from the 47 women who participated.
