I entirely agree with what Tony said about keeping track of your data,
and not forgetting parts of it. I would have been completely lost
without NUDIST to organise the material I am collecting for my PhD.
Two particular instances come to mind: first, the beauty of the
indexing system is that you can code the same data in multiple ways,
reflecting the reality that multiple codes are often the most
appropriate, even if a pain in the neck to handle on paper. (Yes, I
know I can make copies, and cross-reference and all the rest of it on
paper, but frankly who wants to? Especially at midnight when is when I
seem to do my most productive coding.)
Second, it is quite frightening how easy it can be to just FORGET
large chunks of data (or large chunks of interpretation and coding) if
you don't have an efficient, easy to use retrieval system. Again, you
could use paper, but why not let the computer do what it is good at,
and take over the routine tasks which bore some of us rigid?
At the same time, I have to agree with Nathalie about the learning
curve for NUDIST. I too found it lengthy, and I have several colleagues
who thought I was mad for persevering with it. They prefer to lose much
of the richness of their data and use short-cut methods instead. I
know they are missing out, but I can't convince them!
Ultimately it comes down to personal choice I guess - is time spent now
in practising with NUDIST (on your own data for preference, this is the
only way really to appreciate its power) worth the longer term
benefits of developing a skill which may transform the way you look at
qualitative data?
John May
John May
43 Chapel Road
Flitwick
Beds. MK45 3EP
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