Tag Archives: qualitative data analysis
Feb
Qualitative data analysis & techology
Computer aided qualitative data analysis? A conversation with a colleague today revealed that there is still resistance to technology in this field. Arguing that computer assisted qualitative data analysis is detrimental to ‘meaning’ is a little like saying that a telephone is detrimental to a conversation. The content is what matters, regardless of the tools you use to mine it. Computer aided qualitative data analysis (CAQDAS) doesn’t *have* to involve automation (though there are occasions where it can, and it’s helpful). Rather, it helps you systematically analyse large corpora of data (text, video, photos) without giving you RSI in the process. Taking some of the drudgery out of the analysis should enable you to pay even more attention to what your data actually “mean”, not to mention enabling you to track your logic systematically, thus helping you to justify your conclusions. The CAQDAS networking project at the University of Surrey is a great resource for this topic, providing independent reviews and comparisons of different software packages, in addition to training courses and methodological working papers. http://caqdas.soc.surrey.ac.uk/
Jan
Formal training
OCR provides customised skills training in a variety of areas, for example, creativity skills, qualitative data analysis, scientific communication.
Case studies
Qualitative research training
A large consumer goods company wished to provide ‘in service’ training to staff involved in commissioning and/or conducting qualitative research. OCR developed a two day training course, using examples from company projects and covering advanced skills in different methods of data collection and analysis. This was followed up by one-to-one coaching for selected individuals on a ‘live’ project.
Researching “dislocative” technology with consumers
A large consumer goods company was concerned that they were not researching radically new technology as well as they might be. OCR reviewed two project case studies and generated a series of principles and pitfalls, based on existing theory and in house guidelines, in “researching the really new” and disseminated these via a one day training course.
Tagged | coaching, communication, creativity, innovation, qualitative data analysis, qualitative research, scientific writing, technology, training