Beyond Coding: Balancing Interpretive Depth and Rigour in Ethnographic Data Analysis

AIM: To present a refined approach to analysing ethnographic data that preserves the distinctiveness of ethnography while ensuring it meets contemporary expectations of methodological rigour. DESIGN: Methodological discussion paper. DATA SOURCES: The approach draws on established ethnographic scholarship and is guided by Wolcott's framework for transforming qualitative data through three interrelated stages: description, analysis and interpretation. A practical application is illustrated through a focused ethnography exploring how older Vietnam-born Australians understand and manage chronic disease. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Focused ethnography has become increasingly popular in nursing research as it reflects the dual nature of the profession: striving to generate rigorous evidence while preserving the humanistic depth and contextual understanding that are central to nursing practice. This paper provides a methodological guide for nurse researchers to analyse ethnographic data in ways that preserve contextual richness while ensuring analytical rigour. IMPACT: The approach presented advances the debate on the methodological quality of research in nursing and health and supports the generation of high-quality evidence. CONCLUSION: Ethnography, particularly in its focused form, must continue to meet high standards that balance art and science, narrative and analysis. Nurse researchers are encouraged to embrace a balanced approach to ensure that ethnography remains both scientifically credible and deeply human. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients or the public were not involved in this methodological discussion paper; the illustrative example draws on ethically approved doctoral research.