Applied Computer-assisted Qualitative Data Analysis using Nvivo

(this course was previously called 'Introduction to Nvivo: Computer-assisted Qualitative Data Analysis' and previously classified as 'Introductory'. Only small changes have been made to the course content.)
 
This course is designed for those familiar with qualitative research approaches who are interested in using NVivo to assist with the tasks of qualitative data management and analysis. The focus is on learning the NVivo tool kit for data analysis through hands-on experience. Sample data will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets. The first day will provide an overview of the software and offer participants the opportunity to consider applications of the software to their own research projects. During the remainder of the course, participants will be taken systematically through the software tasks associated with developing a research project including: planning for collection of data, preparation of data for analysis and basic analysis. They will also be introduced to advanced analysis tools including those for theory building and validating and presenting findings.
 
Monday: Becoming familiar with the NVivo working environment – Project design issues and their application in NVivo. Starting a new project in NVivo. Issues in gathering and preparing data. Working with literature and data sources including text, audio and video material. Handling non-text data within the context of an NVivo project.
 
Tuesday: Making meaning from data – Basic coding in NVivo. Automated coding processes including searching text. Organising and managing coding, including building coding structures and documenting relationships.
 
Wednesday: Managing and thinking about the data – Using memos and links  to reflect on and record ideas about data. Documenting conversations and threads. Creating an audit trail. Ways of representing demographic characteristics and other attributes. Working with cases.
 
Thursday: Theory building and conceptualising – Introduction to tools for reviewing progress and monitoring analysis including queries, models and charts for exploring relationships and interactions, developing and confirming propositions, testing hypotheses, refining analysis and verifying accounts.
 
Friday: Building an account – Introduction to ways of representing and reporting findings: including generating reports, charting and mapping concepts and exporting material, and interfacing with other software including Microsoft Word, EndNote, and Microsoft Excel. Overview of ways in which NVivo can support working in a research team.