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: private open coding Collection:
Identifying categories asynchronous generate categories 1-2 Weeks
1-on1 discussion generate properties and
dimensions Analysis:
2 Weeks

Stage 2: public axial coding Collection:

Identify core category & asynchronous interconnect categories 1-2 Weeks
construct model group discussion causal conditions
build “core” category Analysis:
2 Weeks

Stage 3: public selective coding Collection:

Review/refine synchronous build story of how categories 2 Weeks
model show model and gather relate
input discursive theoretical Analysis:
propositions 2 Weeks+
address research questions
 Advantages/Disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
Programs provide file systems that assist researchers Most programs are complex, and their manuals not
in storing and organizing large amounts of textual very helpful, meaning it takes nonproductive time to
data. learn to use them to their full advantage.

Computers can save time and reduce drudgery, Researchers may make analytic decisions based on
especially in the areas of coding, retrieving, what the computer can do rather than what should be
displaying, counting and sorting. done.

Computers force researchers to be organized and to Computer use may encourage researchers to lose
plan well, thus encouraging systematic approaches to sight of the contexts of the study and the data set as a
analysis. whole.

Most analysis programs force researchers to study As categories are set within computer programs,
data line by line, ensuring a more careful reading of researchers may be reluctant to rethink or change
the data. them.

Some programs can create graphic displays from Data and completed analysis can potentially be lost
analyses that would take much longer and/or require through technical failures and human errors.
expertise.
 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?).
Coding Illustration
 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!