module specification

This module provides an opportunity to explore data analysis within the context of the principles of individual qualitative research approaches in greater depth, including IT software tools such as NVivo and their use to analyse raw data. The processes and principles and application of selected analytic schemes will be considered, such as grounded theory and forms of discourse analysis. Students will have an opportunity to apply specific approaches, and compare and contrast manual and IT based analytic procedures.

None

1. To explore the principles and processes of analysis and interpretation of qualitative data in the context of individual approaches and their use in contemporary research
2. To develop an understanding of the appropriate selection of methods for systematic analysis of textual and other qualitative data
3. To critically appraise the strengths and limitations of applying relevant analytic methods using IT tools
4. To introduce the potential of IT software tools for qualitative data and practice in its use

* Locating analysis within research - processes of analysis and synthesis in research practice; the signficance of methodological positions for the construction and interpretation of data
* Overview of developments in qualitative analysis; review of contemporary approaches and their use in different arenas
* Selected analytic schemes - specific methods of analysis will be outlined and discussed including underlying principles and practical steps for analysis from data description, organisation and initial deconstruction through development of analysis to synthesis and interpretation. Exemplar schemes will include grounded theory and discourse analysis. Their use for explanation and wider inference in social and cultural inquiry will also be addressed.
* Utilising IT tools for analysis - an overview of the role of IT in qualitative analysis and potential benefits and limitations
* Introducing Nvivo - an introduction to the basic techniques for using Nvivo in analysis, including data preparation and organisation, basic coding strategies and tools for recording analysis; use and relevance of modelling and search tools for developing and refining ideas. The application of specific analytic schemes through Nvivo will be explored using given data sets.
* The module will conclude with a discussion of the relative merits and limitations of different analytic methods and procedures

The module will be delivered through a series of lectures, briefings and workshop sessions. Lectures will be mainly in the first half and latter stages of the module, followed by workshops including class based exercises and student led discussions. The latter half of the module will be devoted to the introduction of Nvivo during workshops in an IT studio, consisting of practical instruction and hands on exercises and analytic tasks. Briefings will introduce some Nvivo sessions, contextualising practical tasks in the wider context of analysis and individual approaches.

1. Describe specific analytic schemes and their use in contemporary qualitative practice
2. Demonstrate critical understanding of theories and principles that guide the practice of
analysing and interpretating qualitative data within different approaches.
3. Develop appropriate strategies for analysis of a variety of data
4. Make appropriate and effective use of the logic and language of data analysis and techniques
5. Display the practical and intellectual skills of data management and analysis of qualitative data.

The assessment for the module provides an opportunity to demonstrate development of understanding of and critical reflection on issues involved in analysing qualitative data in addition to demonstrating skills in analytic practice. Students will be required to produce a 2000 word Essay outlining, comparing and contrasting selected analytic schemes and their application using manual and IT tools, and a 2000 word Report based on an analysis of a suitable qualitative data set using NVivo. Detailed guidance will be given

Atkinson, P. & Heritage, J. (1984) Structures of social action: studies in conversational analysis, Cambridge UP
Bazeley, P. & Richards, L, (2004) The Nvivo Qualitative Project Book, Sage
Bryman, A. (2002) Social Research Methods, Chs 19 20 Oxford UP
Bryman, A. & Burgess, R. G. (1994) Analysing qualitative data, Chs 1.8.9.11 Routledge
Coffey, A. & Atkinson, P. (1997) Making sense of qualitative data, Sage
Denzin, N.K. & Lincoln, Y.S. (2004) Handbook of qualitative research, Sage
Lee, R. & Fielding, N. (1998) Computer analysis and qualitative research, Sage
Ritchie, J. & Lewis, J. (2003) Qualitative Research Practice, Chs 8 and 9 Sage
Silverman, S. (1993) Interpreting qualitative data, Sage
Strauss, A. & Corbin, J. (1990) Basics of qualitative research: grounded theory procedures & techniques, Sage
Potter, J. & Wetherell, M. (1987) Discourse and social pyschology, Sage
Woofitt, R. (1992) Telling tales of the unexpected: the organisation of factual discourse, Harvester Wheatsheaf

QSR International: Nvivo website http://www.qsrinternational.com/aboutus/contact/contactseurope/contacts_europe.htm
Caqdas Networking Project - http://caqdas.soc.surrey.ac.uk
Sociological Research Online: www.socresonline.org.uk