Coding in Qualitative Data Analysis

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Researchers often feel overwhelmed by large amounts of qualitative data, wondering how to organize and analyse it, and use it effectively as primary research evidence. This module introduces principles and methods of sense-making, helping researchers identify and understand the patterns, themes, and meanings embedded in their data.

The module consists of a comprehensive lecture and two hands-on workshops. Session 1 introduces the basic principles and methods, focusing on the progression from data to sense-making, how to relate data to existing literature, and how to construct a well-supported argument based on the empirical evidence. The two workshops are designed for students to experience and practice coding (manually or using software) and to develop their own arguments. In Session 2, students can apply sense-making techniques to their own data and practice interpreting data to draw meaningful insights manually. Session 3 focuses on data analysis using Atlas.ti software, which allows students to practise coding, categorising, and conceptualising their own empirical data or open-sourced datasets.

Sessions:

Session 1: Lecture: Analysing and interpreting qualitative data

Session 2: Practical workshop: Making sense of data

Session 3: Practical workshop: Software coding demonstration

• Postgraduate students in Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. This course is open to all years but is better suited for students who have completed their data collection.
• Further details regarding eligibility criteria are available here

Students attending this module are expected to have a working understanding of qualitative methods. Inexperienced participants may find it helpful to first attend the CaRM module An Overview of Qualitative Methods for Data Analysis and Collection. For students who have collected their data, this module will help them analyse the data and make arguments. For students who are still in the design phase of their research and have not yet begun data collection, this module will help them gain a basic understanding of data analysis, which will be helpful in refining their research design and data collection. Students attending workshops can use their own data or sample data provided by the instructors.

Number of sessions: 3

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• apply practical skills to analyse empirical data effectively;
• reflect on research design and data collection methods;
• critically analyse and interpret qualitative data;
• appreciate the advantages and challenges of qualitative methods;
• reflect on the theoretical and practical issues underlying qualitative research.

For Session 3, you will need your own personal computer or laptop with internet access and Atlas.ti software pre-installed and ready to use. You can download a copy of the software from the following link for Atlas.ti Software: https://cambridge.store.academia.co.uk/software/atlas-ti.html

This module is not assessed.

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