Section outline

  • Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis: What It Does and Doesn't Do

    All stats software basically does the same thing, so quantitative analysts often choose their package based on history, training, and popularity within their shop. In qualitative analysis computer-assistance is optional and there is no standard feature-set. No two qualitative software programs are the same. How do you decide whether computer assistant qualitative data analysis (CAQDA) makes sense? How do you learn about and select CAQDA software? How do the packages work? What are the advantages and trade-offs?

    In this session, Sarah Garrett, a PhD ethnographer with extensive experience with Atlas.ti, will use data from the focus group we've seen in class previously to demonstrate how Atlas.ti reads data in, organizes it, and how it can be used to add basic codes to a data set.


    Resources (from Corey Abramson, PhD; Atlas.ti training):

    • Abramson newsletter article with practical advice: http://cmabramson.com/uploads/CMA-ATLASti_Newsletter_2011-03.pdf
    • Abramson's 2009 article with useful write up of methods and the use of CAQDA software for an interdisciplinary audience: http://cmabramson.com/uploads/abramson2009.pdf
    • For information on different software packages and the CAQDA process the best site is: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/sociology/research/researchcentres/caqdas/support/choosing/
    • For leaning ATLAS, try going over the quicktour (using the demo version of the software) which breaks down the basics. The trial version also has a practice data set: http://www.atlasti.com/quicktour.html
    • There are also free online tutorials and webinars here: http://www.atlasti.com/freetraining.html

    Faculty: Sarah Garrett & Daniel Dohan

    Panel: 

    Location:  Mission Hall 1406