*The names of all individuals who took part in this project have been changed out of respect for their privacy.*

Chapter 3: Multiple Text Analysis

     Since my research contains more than one type of data, a multiple text analysis was chosen (Keats, 2009). The multiple text analysis allowed for a deeper exploration of the various data, and a more complete understanding (Keats) of the lives of the rural homeless, as given by the example of the experience of the homeless in Revelstoke. The first part of the analysis consisted of recording the types of text offered by each participant and, in the case of the homeless participants, which text took precedence. All texts were given a general reading to look for themes, spatial references, and possible cross referencing (Keats). During the initial reading, general observations were recorded, and in the case of the homeless participants, the texts were divided into two categories for further analysis: spoken and visual. Spoken texts, including homeless and non-homeless interviews as well as my journal, were given a specific reading in order to focus on the narratives derived from the interviews which are most relevant to my research (Keats). The specific readings gave consideration to various aspects including identity representation, viewpoints of experience, and the context in which the spoken text took place (Keats). Photos taken by homeless participants were given a visual reading analysis. Visual texts were read for framing and viewpoint using visual signifiers (Keats, p. 90). Finally, all of the texts were given an inter-textual relational reading to look for overall patterns and themes.

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