GRSC6026 Computer-Assisted Analysis of Qualitative Data

Content:
This course focuses on the fundamentals and procedures of computer-assisted analysis of qualitative data using NVivo 8. It will introduce the NVivo 8 workspace and provide a hands-on experience in order for students to explore qualitative data analysis within the context of the principles of individual research approaches in greater depth. Students will learn to create and navigate around an NVivo 8 project; manage sources (documents, audio/video media files, memos and annotations); create and apply various types of coding; explore cases and their attributes; group and explore data through queries; use NVivo's visualization and modeling tools; chart data and create summary reports. The processes, principles, and application of selected analytic schemes will be considered, and students will have an opportunity to apply specific approaches, as well as compare and contrast manual and IT based analytic procedures. There will be discussion of project/file management and using NVivo 8 in teams.

Organization:
Each offering of the module comprises twelve hours (two hours per week for six weeks).

Enrollment:
Each offering of the module is limited to a maximum of 20 students. Students must have their own set of research data for analyzing. In the academic year 2011-12, this course will be not be offered.

Assessment:
The assessment for this course will be on a continuous basis and provides an opportunity to demonstrate development and understanding of and critical reflection on issues involved in analyzing qualitative data in addition to demonstrating skills in analytic practice. The assessment will include laboratory-based assessment related to qualitative data analysis issues in research and a writing task (total 1500 - 2000 words) and a report based on an analysis of a suitable qualitative data set using NVivo. Detailed guidance will be given. Assessment is graded as pass/fail.

Outcome:
At the end of the course the students will be able to:

• critically evaluate the strategic use of the software from study conceptualization to research output
• manage and use the software within specific analytic schemes and contemporary qualitative practice
• develop appropriate strategies for analysis of a variety of data
• demonstrate practical and intellectual skills of data management and analysis of qualitative data