Researchers

Mr Graham R. Gibbs, University of Huddersfield
Professor Nigel Fielding, University of Surrey
Ann Lewins, University of Surrey

Context

Recent decades have seen a rapid increase in the use of qualitative data analysis (QDA) methods in social science disciplines and latterly in psychology. At the same time there is now a wide range of computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) available. For many years, the ESRC has supported the CAQDAS Networking Project at the University of Surrey which has provided workshops, seminars, a helpline and other support for CAQDAS. This project proposes to complement these activities.

Aims and objectives

1. To create and evaluate online training support materials for qualitative researchers.

2. To integrate the online materials with other aspects of the CAQDAS Networking Project, e.g. the inquiry/help desk, the JISCMail list and the training workshops.

Objectives

1. To establish the key learning help needed by recent learners of CAQDAS programs and researchers new to QDA.

2. To reinforce the skills learned at CAQDAS courses and other similar courses.

3. To provide just-in-time assistance for learners of QDA and the CAQDAS programs.

4. To use the CAQDAS networking project as a means of dissemination and delivery of the created learning materials.

Online materials

The project will produce a set of online learning materials covering both introductions to QDA and CAQDAS programs. Online materials supporting some more advanced topics in CAQDAS use (merging, teamwork, matrix searching, combining with quantitative data) will also be produced. Materials will be both web pages and digital video, the latter showing a desktop image so users can see how to undertake actions in the software. There will also be a search mechanism so that users can quickly find the answers they need.

Research Design

There will be a formative evaluation to establish the detailed learning needs that will be addressed by the online resources. The materials produced will also be evaluated as teaching materials. Groups from CAQDAS Networking Project workshops will be introduced to the materials in the workshop and then encouraged to use them in the weeks following. Their use of the online system will be tracked automatically and they will also be interviewed about their use of the material. Some of these interviews will be carried out using email.

Outputs

Web and digital video materials to support:

• basic QDA
• basic use of NVivo
• basic use of Nud.ist6
• basic use of Atlas.ti
• basic use of MaxQDA
• advanced use of selected CAQDAS programs

(complemented by a search system and a bookmarking system).
Online materials will be served from the CAQDAS web site in the first instance but the project will investigate options for their long term siting.
Report on the learning needs of those new to CAQDAS.
Conference presentations and academic papers.