Analysis of Qualitative Data

Description:

Have you ever felt daunted by a volume of data? Then help is at hand: this course is designed to help participants get started on analysing their qualitative material. It provides a map of different approaches but then focuses on Thematic Analysis, a cross-sectional substantive (rather than structural) method. Talks and practical workshops will take participants through the process of data management and initial interpretation. Some experience of qualitative research, or attendance on other qualitative courses, is vital. The day is appropriate for those whose data are in the form of semi-structured or in-depth interviews, focus groups or field notes, but is not geared towards the analysis of open-ended responses to questionnaire items.

Topics

During the course we will cover:

• alternative approaches to analysis
• key stages in the analytical process
• the contribution of computer assisted analysis software
• data management:

1. constructing a thematic or analytic framework
2. labelling or coding the data
3. sorting according to themes

• interpretation - identifying key dimensions, meanings, attitudes, behaviours.

Course tutor

Liz Spencer is a Sociologist and an Academician of the Academy of Social Sciences who has specialised in qualitative methods since 1973. She has held research posts at a number of British universities, including the London School of Economics, The London Graduate School of Business Studies, and the University of Essex, and was a Research Director at the National Centre for Social Research. She teaches a range of courses for the Social Research Association and for the Universities of Hong Kong and Essex, and has been a Visiting Professor at the Institute for Higher Studies in Vienna.

Currently Liz is a Research Associate of the Institute for Social and Economic Research as well as an independent research consultant. Her recent methodological publications include chapters in Qualitative Research Practice and a report for the Cabinet Office on judging the quality of qualitative research and evaluation. Together with Jane Ritchie, she pioneered ‘Framework’, a matrix-based approach to data management and display.

Cost:

£260 but SRA members pay £195

Website and registration:

www.the-sra.org.uk/training

Region:

Greater London

Keywords:

Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Thematic Analysis

Related publications and presentations:

Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis

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