In this practice-led advanced qualitative analysis course, students will complete a qualitative analysis project from start to finish. Using a large archive of text data and working with qualitative data analysis software and open source tools, students will learn how to prepare and manage qualitative data, apply different qualitative analysis approaches, and move from coding and analysis to writing up.

10 week course
1 x 2-hour lab based lecture

1 x 1-hour lab based tutorial

None

None

Methods Write-up (40%, 1,500 words)

Analysis Portfolio (60%, 2,500 words)

Programme / course convenors and teaching staff will ensure that due consideration is given to students with disabilities, and that reasonable adjustments are implemented wherever possible, in consultation with relevant support services. 

A Flexible Assessment approach will be applied, in line with Disability Service recommendations. This includes:  

■ Consideration of alternative assessment formats where appropriate (e.g., adaptations to oral assessments) 

■ Implementation of reasonable adjustments on a case-by-case basis

The course aims to provide students an opportunity to undertake a qualitative text analysis project from start to finish. Students will conduct independent analysis to build their understanding of different types of qualitative text analysis including content, thematic, discourse, and framework. Based on their chosen research question, students will use QDAS (e.g., NVivo or similar) and open source tools to (1) subset an archive of text data and prepare an import-ready data set with case classifications, attributes, and initial coding; (2) develop first- and second-cycle coding; build and refine a codebook; write reflexive analytic memos; create dynamic sets and queries; and construct framework matrices; and (3) move from analysis to writing up and knowledge exchange. Reflexivity and ethics are threaded throughout, including the potential benefits and practical challenges of open qualitative analysis.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Apply Qualitative Data Analysis Software and open-source tools to undertake and reflect on qualitative data management, analysis, and writing up

■ Propose and appraise research questions that can be answered through qualitative text analysis.

■ Differentiate qualitative text analysis approaches and assess analysis decisions based on their research questions and overall research design.

■ Plan and design reports of qualitative text analysis methods and findings for academic and wider audiences, including rationale for research design decisions and evidencing analysis to support interpretation of findings.

■ Critically evaluate positionality and ethics within qualitative text analysis research, including how the academic and technological environments shape the possibilities and limits for 'open qualitative research'.