Introduction

Analytic memos are write ups and small-scale analyses that are developed during and after data collection. They can be as short as a few sentences or as long as a few pages and are aimed at fleshing out patterns and concepts that the researcher feels are emerging from the data. Analytic memos are important because they allow the researcher to step away from the field and participants to take a broader look at what is being uncovered in the data. These memos are for the use of the researcher and serve as an outlet to brainstorm ideas, comment on concerns, and reflect on specific aspects of the research process. Analytic memos are the foundational pieces for the in-depth data analysis that happens down the line.

5 Basic Principles

There are many important things to consider when writing an analytic memo, but the 5 basic principles that are critical to consider are:[1]

1. Date and Identifier – Each analytic memo written during the qualitative research process must be dated and identified in a consistent manner. Having the setting, subject line, or a different identifier is important for retrieval of the memo at a later date and also ensures that the memos are organized and can be used as evidence of the progression that occurred within the research project.
2. Purge All Thoughts – When writing an analytic memo, best practice is to write anything and everything that comes to mind about the research project, including thoughts about data collection, any findings or patterns that are seen early on, any concerns or issues that have come up, etc. Because the analytic memo doesn’t have to be written in a formal manner and its sole purpose is to aid the researcher as they progress through the research, ensuring that all thoughts and feelings are written down on paper is the first step. Having a brief summary of the data to date and then a section for reflections and interpretation is best practice when writing an analytic memo.
3. Go Back and Edit – Once all of the thoughts and opinions have been written out, it is important to go back and edit the analytic memo. While it doesn’t have to be written to include academic jargon or with formal language, analytic memos should be written somewhat like a letter, with organization and some form of structure.
4. Be Clear and Concise – While analytic memos are the researcher’s thoughts and musing about the process and findings, they are meant to be written succinctly, with attention to concision and clarity. The analytic memo must make sense so they can be used in the future to help understand the progression of the research process and how the findings changed or evolved as the research progressed.
5. Next Steps – When writing analytic memos, it is helpful to have a brief section at the end that focuses on the connections between the previous and current memos as well as the next steps and things to think about as the research progresses. These can include steps for further data analysis, changes in data collection, identifying potential concerns and solutions, and strategies for interpreting the data.

Example

The following is an example of a brief analytic memo:[2]

Memo example 1: Anthropological study on local food practices

Identifier: Memo_Local_Food_Practices_20230502

Summary of data: Field notes from a visit to the local farmer’s market in town A, where I observed and interacted with several vendors and consumers.

Reflections and interpretations: A strong sense of community permeates the local farmer’s market. Vendors and consumers engage in lengthy conversations, not only about the products but also about personal life events and local happenings. There’s an evident pride in locally grown and sourced products, pointing towards a shared value system centered on sustainability and community support.

Connections to other memos or data: This observation aligns with previous interviews where participants expressed their commitment to supporting local businesses. However, it contrasts with the supermarket observation memo where transactions were impersonal and product-centered.
Next steps: Plan follow-up interviews with vendors and regular customers to understand the values and motivations underlying their participation in the farmer’s market.

Conclusion

Writing analytic memos is an important aspect of qualitative research. Analytic memos are important because they allow the researcher to step away from the field and participants to take a broader look at what is being uncovered in the data. The 5 basic principles that are critical to consider are having a date and identifier, purging all thoughts, editing, concision, and examining next steps. Each analytic memo written during the qualitative research process must be dated and identified in a consistent manner. When writing an analytic memo, best practice is to write anything and everything that comes to mind about the research project, including thoughts about data collection, any findings or patterns that are seen early on, any concerns or issues that have come up, etc. Once all of the thoughts and opinions have been written out, it is important to go back and edit the analytic memo. Analytic memos are the researcher’s thoughts and musing about the process and findings, but they are meant to be written succinctly, with attention to concision and clarity. When writing analytic memos, it is helpful to have a brief section at the end that focuses on the connections between the previous and current memos as well as the next steps and things to think about as the research progresses. 

Take Away

Analytic memos are important during qualitative research because they allow the researcher to reflect about the data and write about the beginning stages of analysis and the coding process. These memos are helpful in increasing critical thinking about the process and project and helps challenge the researcher’s assumptions. This reflective commentary in the form of analytic memos helps increase credibility.

[1] Rogers, R. (2018). Coding and writing analytic memos on qualitative data: A review of Johnny Saldaña’s the coding manual for qualitative researchers. The Qualitative Report, 23(4), 889-892.

[2] https://atlasti.com/guides/qualitative-research-guide-part-2/research-memos