qualitative research in areas of interest.ppt

Qualitative Research
Computer as Research Assistant

Workshop Goals
 Demostrate qualitative collection using
WebCT.
 Exporting raw data from WebCT.
 Demostrate import, organization and coding
of data in N6.
 Briefly discuss analysis of data in N6.

First Steps
 Determine if your research questions and
methodology fit with electronic research (my
example).
 Become familiar with the online format and
asynchronous discussion.
 Human Subjects Review - qualitative research and
electronic collection.
 Determine questioning strategy and collection
strategy. Example

Data Collection Strategy
Stage Collection Format Analysis Goal Duration
Stage 1:
Identifying categories
private
asynchronous
1-on1 discussion
open coding
generate categories
generate properties and
dimensions
Collection:
1-2 Weeks
Analysis:
2 Weeks
Stage 2:
Identify core category &
construct model
public
asynchronous
group discussion
axial coding
interconnect categories
causal conditions
build “core” category
Collection:
1-2 Weeks
Analysis:
2 Weeks
Stage 3:
Review/refine
model
public
synchronous
show model and gather
input
selective coding
build story of how categories
relate
discursive theoretical
propositions
address research questions
Collection:
2 Weeks
Analysis:
2 Weeks+

Advantages/Disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
Programs provide file systems that assist researchers
in storing and organizing large amounts of textual
data.
Most programs are complex, and their manuals not
very helpful, meaning it takes nonproductive time to
learn to use them to their full advantage.
Computers can save time and reduce drudgery,
especially in the areas of coding, retrieving,
displaying, counting and sorting.
Researchers may make analytic decisions based on
what the computer can do rather than what should
be done.
Computers force researchers to be organized and to
plan well, thus encouraging systematic approaches to
analysis.
Computer use may encourage researchers to lose
sight of the contexts of the study and the data set as
a whole.
Most analysis programs force researchers to study
data line by line, ensuring a more careful reading of
the data.
As categories are set within computer programs,
researchers may be reluctant to rethink or change
them.
Some programs can create graphic displays from
analyses that would take much longer and/or require
expertise.
Data and completed analysis can potentially be lost
through technical failures and human errors.

Next Steps
 Organize your discussion board
appropriately. (example)
 Begin first cycle of questioning - exporting
data from WebCT for hardcopy and into
N6. (demo)
 Open coding in N6 - developing categories,
properties and dimensions (how important
and why?).

Analysis
 Coding in N6 (Free Nodes)
 Free Nodes become Tree Nodes (demo)
 Tree Nodes often emerge from a central theme.
 Tree Nodes are the major themes containing your
research variables.
 Research variables are supported via text
searching. (demo)
 Naming conventions/memos are important!

Questions/Your Problems
 Conclusive remarks - good match, time
saver, data as-is, searching capabilities for
analysis.
 Discuss some of your research problems
and/or concerns.
 Thank you very much!

qualitative research in areas of interest.ppt

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