Ray Maietta and Kevin Swartout

July 30-31

The Sort and Sift, Think and Shift method is an iterative process in which analysts dive into data to understand its content, dimensions, and properties, and then step back to assess what they have learned to direct next stages of analysis and to fit findings with current conversations in the field. The method is a data-driven process that is both flexible and fluid. Data content is directive as it guides researchers to options for what to do when. The goal of the process is to arrive at an evidence-based meeting point that is a hybrid story of data content and researcher knowledge.

There are three core phases to the Sort and Sift, Think and Shift process. They are presented in linear fashion. Initial work follows them in order of presentation. In the final phase, the actions of each phase happen in concert to prepare us to move toward discovery and presentation.

• Phase 1 - Deep Dive into Data: Think of the actions of this phase as intensely sorting and sifting through your data documents to get to know the content deeply through attentive reading and reviewing, quotation engagement, and episode profiling.
• Phase 2 – Thinking in Storyboards: After we initially dive into our data, we enter active, reflective space(s) that we call “storyboards.” In these thought spaces, we use memoing and diagramming to recognize, reflect, and record how the pieces that capture our attention are starting to connect and how component parts of stories are coming into view.
• Phase 3 – The Synergistic Shift: Working in iterative phases generates a data-driven energy that defines phase 3. Here we let that momentum and energy of discovery guide our next strategic moves as our thematic stories emerge, take shape and evolve.

The Sort and Sift, Think and Shift process is intentionally designed to have our discovery techniques mirror how everyday life unfolds. The act of shaping stories isn't static; it's driven by active, iterative motion. We invite you to rethink your qualitative analysis process with us.