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
Stage 1:
Identifying categories

Stage 2:
Identify core category &
construct model

Stage 3:
Review/refine
model

Collection Format
private
asynchronous
1-on1 discussion

public
asynchronous
group discussion

public
synchronous
show model and gather
input

Analysis Goal

Duration

open coding
generate categories
generate properties and
dimensions

Collection:
1-2 Weeks

axial coding
interconnect categories
causal conditions
build core category

Collection:
1-2 Weeks

selective coding
build story of how categories
relate
discursive theoretical
propositions
address research questions

Collection:
2 Weeks

Analysis:
2 Weeks

Analysis:
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?).

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!