Doug Ezzy wrote:
> What is taught in all these training courses in QDA software that we keep
> hearing about on this list? Do they learn techniques to use the software
by
> itself, or is this embedded in some sort of training in the theory of
> qualitative methods. Are there different training courses for people with
> different levels of knowledge about qualitative theory? Or is this left to
> the participant to work out?
I write as someone who not only currently runs training in QDA software but
who has also designed post-graduate research training programmes, taught
philosophy of social science and supervised numerous PhD students using
qualitative approaches to research.
I make very clear in my workshops that there are 4 learning tasks involved
in learning to use a qualitative software package - a) understanding one's
approach to qualitative analysis, b) the nuts and bolts of the particular
package, c) (for those experienced in manual methods of analysis) how they
can decide which features of a package can replace what they do manually,
deciding whether those software features which are not possible manually are
consistent with their approach to analysis, and whether there are manual
methods they use that cannot be done by a particular package, and d)
computer literacy. (I wrote a short article about this for the NUD*IST
newsletter last year - but it is relevant for any of the packages. A copy
is on my web-site - address is in my signature block below.)
The focus of a one or two day QDA software workshop is on the nuts and bolts
of the particular package I am training in. But I stress that they need to
assess themselves on the other 3 points above. I make it very clear that if
they are new to using qualitative data, they must supplement their learning
about the software with courses on qualitative analysis. I would advise
anyone to do such training first before going on a workshop on a QDA
package. I do try to interweave in my explanations of the various features
of the software where decisions are methodological. Sometimes they have to
balance methodological decisions with the implications that choice has given
the limitations of the software. On my two day workshops I use data from
one of the participants and then as a group we discuss the startegy for
analysis. Obviously, what I can cover is very limited given the time
constraint. However, the experienced qualitative researchers are able to
make the connections for themselves and the novices come away knowing that
they must supplement the gaps in their knowledge.
I do warn people about the "coding trap" which I think the current range of
software leads you into. I emphasise that they should limit the time spent
coding and spend more time writing memos where I feel the real analysis
happens in analysing qualitative data. Of course, in the memos one would
write about connections with the literature, with theory etc which is where
the discussion that this thread started i.e. Odd Lindberg's paper.
Unfortunately nothing prompts you to write such memos in the software -
although these packages do provide memo features. But the same is true in
manual analysis - nothing prompts you to write a memo - but maybe you might
be more likely because you have a pen and paper in front of you. I don't
know.
Obviously, when I consult on a particular project, I use much more than my
knowledge of a package. I start with the research questions and often spend
far more time talking about the theoretical framework they are working
within etc. I think I should add that the proliferation of QDA packages has
had a positive effect. It has exposed the lack of training in the different
approaches in qualitative analysis in universities. I can think of several
university departments where I have run QDA workshops and have had
discussions with lecturers who are now pushing to expand their research
training programmes to give more time to approaches to qualitative research.
I am currently writing a book which I hope will help newcomers to
qualitative research. The first half covers the various approaches to
qualitative analysis while the second half address the tools (manual and
computer) which can be used to aid analysis for the various approaches. I
am going to have to spend a little less time training (and writing long
e-mails) to finish it, though!!
Dr. Silvana di Gregorio
SdG Associates
Research and Training Consultants
Tel/Fax:+44-(0)181-806-1001
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Http://www.sdgassociates.demon.co.uk
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