Integrating qualitative data analysis software into qualitative research and teaching

• Are you a qualitative researcher?
• Are you aware of qualitative data analysis software programs – NVivo. Nud*Ist, Atlas-ti, etc. – but haven’t had time to “really get into them”?
• Are you concerned about supervising graduate students who are learning software on their own?
• Would you like to find ways to introduce these kinds of software programs into your classes?

Qualitative data analysis (QDA) software is often not integrated into training of qualitative researchers, in part because faculty are often personally unfamiliar or uncomfortable using such software. Overburdened faculty members face real obstacles to incorporating any kind of technology into courses, beginning with learning how to use the technology themselves.

This interdisciplinary Faculty Learning Community will explore the use of qualitative data analysis software for their own research and generate potential learning activities for students engaged in qualitative research.

• Based on the individual and collective goals of faculty members engaged in this community, we will work toward outcomes such as:
• Using QDA software for analysis of existing research data and reflecting on the experience
• Identifying expectations that instructors should have for graduate students using software “on their own”
• Exploring ways to include the use of QDA in research classes, at multiple levels of integration appropriate to the class. (For example, how can the software be used to make the process of coding more transparent? )

Participants will need to have a strong background in qualitative research, access to qualitative data for analysis, and a computer capable of running Windows-based programs.  Participants who already own their own software will be given priority, though limited assistance may be available for those needing to purchase software. Interested faculty members are encouraged to contact the facilitator if they have specific questions.

The facilitator, Dr. Linda Gilbert, completed her dissertation on the experiences of qualitative researchers who had transitioned from manual to computer-assisted data analysis methods. She is familiar with a range of QDA software, and has taught workshops on NVivo and Nud*Ist.

Contact information for facilitator: Email GilbertL@uga.edu

Marie Boudreau, MIS Terry
Jim Coverdill, Sociology
Melissa Freeman, Lifelong Education Admin. & Policy
Linda Harklau, College of Education
Christina Joseph, Anthropology
Sherry Lowrance, International Business - SPIA
Judith Preissle, Lifelong Ed. Admin. & Policy, COE

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This page last updated on January 7, 2008.