S.TRUEMAN PhD THESIS 2016

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of A7 ‘art sketch books’. Keeping and maintaining these documents from the beginning of the data collection process was deemed by the researcher as important, for it helped him to think analytically and reflectively within a developing/evolving structural framework. The researcher when writing memos did adhere to some basic guidelines mentioned by Gibbs (2002) including: • Memos are not about people/cases but are about thoughts/concepts/ideas. • Memo styles should be flexible. • In order to audit trail the memos, date and time can be added to them. • Memos can be modified anytime and there is no fixed length’ (p. 85) . In the initial stages of the study, the researcher had doubts about the worth of writing memos as a form of analytical thinking, but as he continued the practice he slowing came to see their worth, as a means to support the development of analysis. Certainly when it came to the final ‘write up’ of the study, he was grateful for their existence as they jogged memories and aided reflexivity (Gurdial Singh & Jones, 2007). Retrospectively examining the memos it was clear that the researcher did begin to fine tune them by ensuring that the content of memos comprised the following aspects; reflective remarks where ideas from previous writings were merged, new ideas mentioned by a participant, and to identify anything that was surprising or puzzling (Berkowitz, 1996; Gibbs, 2002, p. 88). Over time the memos became more complex and richer in information. 5.9.5 Manual vs computer assisted coding Qualitative data analysis can be undertaken manually or by utilising computer software. A major benefit of using computer software in research is to manage large, • ‘Write memos the moment the idea comes to mind.