LFU:online

Participants will learn how to use qualitative data analysis software as the primary tool for their digital research workflow 

This course will guide students through a framework for creating conceptually congruent research designs to answer meaningful questions about what is happening in online conversations (Paulus & Wise, 2019). Participants will learn how to use qualitative data analysis software as the primary tool for their digital research workflow. Using their own data or a provided dataset, participants will identify an object of interest for investigation; recognize philosophical and theoretical assumptions that impact research design; create focused and relevant research questions; ensure methodological alignment across aspects of the study design; resolve ethical dilemmas; extract and transform “big data” into a coherent dataset for closer, qualitative analysis; analyze data using thematic, narrative and discursive techniques; and establish the quality of the findings.

The course will include a combination of mini-lecture, large- and small-group discussion activities as well as hands-on analytic work. Students will be able to tailor activities to their own research interests and/or a dataset will be provided. 

Working with Qualitative data analysis software (ATLAS.ti or MAXQDA – TBD)  

A final research report will be assessed as pass/no pass. Students will complete a pilot analysis of the provided dataset and/or their own data – working through the research framework from identifying an object of interest, organizing the data, engaging in analysis and reporting findings within the qualitative data analysis software platform.

Some peer-reviewed journal articles (TBD) and excerpts from:

• Paulus & Wise (2019). Looking for insight, transformation and learning in online talk. Routledge.

•Paulus & Lester (2021). Doing qualitative research in the digital world. Sage