The QDAcity-RE Method for Structural Domain Modeling Using Qualitative Data Analysis

Abstract

The creation of domain models from qualitative input relies heavily on experience. An uncodified ad-hoc modeling process is still common and leads to poor documentation of the analysis. In this article we present a new method for domain analysis based on qualitative data analysis (QDA). The method helps identify inconsistencies, ensures a high degree of completeness, and inherently provides traceability from analysis results back to stakeholder input. These traces do not have to be documented after the fact. We evaluate our approach using four exploratory studies.