Qualitative Memo Writing Tool

Memos are written records of your analytical thinking throughout qualitative research. They capture emerging insights, theoretical connections, pattern observations, methodological decisions, and reflexive thoughts as you collect and analyze data. Memos bridge raw data and final analysis - they document your reasoning, track theory development, and make implicit thinking explicit. Unlike field notes (describing observations) or codes (labeling data), memos analyze and interpret. Good memos ask questions, explore relationships, make comparisons, and develop conceptual understanding. They are essential for rigorous qualitative analysis.

Write memos continuously throughout research: (1) After data collection sessions - capture first impressions and surprising findings, (2) During coding - explain why you created codes, how concepts relate, which data segments are especially significant, (3) Between interviews/observations - compare cases and identify patterns, (4) When confused or stuck - write through analytical problems, (5) When experiencing breakthroughs - document "aha moments" while fresh. Memo writing is iterative, not a one-time activity. Set aside time after each data session specifically for memo writing before memory fades.

Effective memos include: (1) Date and context, (2) The analytical question or issue you are exploring, (3) Patterns or relationships you notice in the data, (4) Connections to theory or literature, (5) Comparisons across cases or data points, (6) Emerging categories or themes, (7) Contradictions or surprises that challenge your thinking, (8) Methodological reflections on your process, (9) Questions for future data collection or analysis, (10) Your hunches and tentative interpretations. Memos are thinking spaces - write freely, explore ideas, and revise as understanding deepens.