Potentials and Limits of Secondary Analysis in a Specific Applied Context: The Case of EDF—Verbatim

Abstract

In this paper we present the results of secondary analyses conducted on documents recorded in VERBATIM, the qualitative data archiving system and database developed by the Sociological Surveys Department (GRETS) of Electricité de France (EDF). The archived studies, unique in France, offer some specific methodological and theoretical features. In order to explain their properties, constraints, and diversity we present four re-analysis studies, which provide an overview of the research aims and topics, the body of textual data, the methods of the secondary analysis and the conditions under which re-analysis can be judged as reliable. We also explore the use of qualitative software in these analyses. Furthermore, we focus on the Sociological Surveys Department researchers' attitudes towards secondary analysis, which shed light on the future development of secondary analysis in France. Finally, we present a future project concerning scientific collaboration with the Centre d'Informatisation des Données Socio-Politiques (CIDSP) which aims to develop more systematic qualitative data archiving and secondary analysis in France. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0501404