3/14/2019

Introduction to Qualitative
Data Analysis Software

Dr. Imami Nur Rachmawati, SKp, MSc.

Sub Topics
• Coding & Analysis within the Research Process
• QDA Software as a Tool for Coding & Analysis
• Overview of QDA Software Programs
• MaxQDA
• NVivo
• Dedoose
• ATLAS.ti

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Coding & Analysis within the Qualitative

Research Process
• Philosophy, Theory, Framework, Conceptualization
• Nonlinear Process: Determine Question(s), Conduct Literature Review,
Determine Methodology & Methods, Collect Data, Code & Analyze Data,
Write Findings, Discussion, & Conclusion
• Coding & Analysis
• Separate and Related
• Inductive and Deductive
• Remain True to Your Project, Not to the Software

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Qualitative (Field) Research

I. Characteristics
A. Focuses on phenomena occurring in natural settings.
B. Involves studying phenomena in all their complexity.
C. More concerned with authenticity than generalizability.
D. Does not allow for identification of cause-and-effect.
II.Field Research Designs
A. Case Study
1. Description – in-depth study of individual, program, or event for a specified time
period.
2. Method – uses variety data sources, including observation, artifacts, interviews, etc.
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B. Grounded Theory Study

1. Description –
a. focuses on the process related to particular topic, especially individuals’
actions, reactions, and interactions.
b. purpose is to use data from the field to create theory, especially when
current theory is inadequate or simply doesn’t exist.
2. Method – uses interviews, observations, artifacts, etc.

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III. Data Collection

A. Observation – field journal
B. Interviews
1. Informal conversational interview
a. Unplanned and unanticipated interaction between researcher and respondent
occurring naturally during course of fieldwork.
b. Most open-ended form of interviewing.
2. General interview guide approach
a. More structured than informal conversational interviewing.
b. Lists in outline form topics and issues that researcher should cover, but allows
interviewer to adapt sequencing and wording questions to each particular
interview.

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3. Standardized open-ended interview

a. Most formal.
b. All interviews conducted in consistent, thorough manner, with minimum
interviewer effects and biases.
c. Least used.
4. Focus group
a. Researcher interviews 10-12 people together at the same time.
b. Discuss a particular issue for 1-2 hours.
c. Artefacts

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IV. Data Analysis
A. Computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS)
1. Pros
a. efficiency in managing and organizing data
b. frees you from manual and clerical tasks
c. way to manage huge amounts of data newest packages can analyze social media, YouTube
videos, & web pages
2. Cons
a. increasingly rigid and deterministic processes
b. increased pressure to focus on volume and breadth rather than depth and meaning (more
quantitative bent)
c. time spent learning program rather than getting into & analyzing the data

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QDA Software as a Tool for Coding & Analysis

What It Does
• Structure and Organize
• Explore
• Annotate
• Memo
• Code and Retrieve
• Visualize
Potential Benefits
• Can Deal with Large Data Sets
• Frees Time to Focus on Analysis
• Improves Validity/Auditability
• Improves Credibility (among some
audiences)
What It Does Not
• Analytic Thinking
• Error-Free Auto Coding
• Eliminate Bias
• Advanced Quantitative
Analysis
Potential Drawbacks
• Can Impose Deterministic
Understandings
• Can Produce Nonsensical Findings
• May Create Pressure to Engage Excessive
Features and Large Data Sets
• Requires Learning the Software

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Overview of QDA Software Programs

QDA Miner
HyperResearch
ANSWR
Transana
Aquad (open source)
Quirkos (visual exports)
Saturate (app-based)

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MaxQDA – sample video

Pros Cons
• Intuitive Interface
• Comparatively Few Users
• Variety of Coding Color Options
• Translates to Less User Support
• Flexible Application for Different
Methodologies • Less Likely to Find Others
Already Using the Program
• Accepts Most File Types
• Not as Advanced as NVivo
• Great Automated Data Visualization Tools
• Semi-Customizable Interface
• Good Integration of Statistical Data for
Mixed-Methods
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NVivo – sample video

Pros
• Accepts Most File Types
• Great Automated Data Visualization
Tools
• Most Advanced Visual Coding Abilities
• Allows for Weighing Codes
• Available in Several Languages
• Can Import Social Media
• Integrates EverNote, EndNote, Survey
Monkey, and OneNote
Cons
• Steep Learning Curve
• Interface May Not Feel Intuitive
• Reports of Crashing
• Issue with Large Projects
• Time-Consuming Coding Process
• Focus on Depth, not Breadth

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Dedoose – sample video

Pros Cons
• Intuitive Interface • Larger Projects = Lower
• Allows for Weighing Codes Speeds
• Teamwork is Simple • Overall Less Intuitive Process
• Does Not Require Additional Infrastructure, Shared • No Auto-Coding
Location
• Limited Query Options
• Internet Based
• Easy to Access from Any Computer • Cannot Merge Projects
• No Difference Across PC, Mac, or Chromebook • Security Concerns
• Monthly Access
• No Charge when Not Active
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ATLAS.ti – sample video

Pros Cons
• Can Retrieve Notes with Coded • Flat Coding
Segments of Data • Some Data Sources Not in
• Significant Manual Diagraming Options Project
• Ability to Interlink Components • risk of losing track of sources
• e.g., memos, comments, codes • No Automatically-Generated
• Great Mapping Tool Codes for Inter-Coder Reliability
• Google Earth is Embedded • Not as Advanced as NVivo
• Customizable Interface
• Great User Support

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QUALITATIVE (FIELD) RESEARCH

IV. Data Analysis (con.)
B. Using Software in Qualitative Research by Ann Lewins and
Christina Silver (Sage, 2007)
C. Saturation
D. Transcription
E. Specific Data Analysis Method -- Successive Approximation
1. Reading/Memoing
a. Read field notes, transcripts, memos, and observer comments to get a sense of
data.
b. Write notes in margins or underline sections or issues that seem important so that
have record initial thoughts and sense data.
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2. Description
a. Addresses issue: What is going on this setting and among these participants?
b. Aim to provide true picture settings and events taking place so that researcher and
reader have understanding context in which study took place.
3. Classifying
a. Involves ordering field notes or transcriptions into categories representing different
aspects of data.
b. Lower-level categories can themselves be organized into even higher, more abstract
conceptual categories.
4. Interpreting – involves synthesizing organized data into general conclusions
or understandings.

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V. Analyzing What is Missing from Data

A. Negative Evidence
1. Nonappearance of something can reveal great deal and provide valuable insights.
2. Kinds of negative evidence to consider
a. events that do not occur;
b. events of which population is unaware;
c. events the population wants to hide;
d. overlooked commonplace events;
e. effects of researcher’s preconceived notions;
f. unconscious nonreporting; and
g. conscious nonreporting.
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B. Limitation by Omission
1. Need be aware alternative perspectives and not let limits specific social
group to which belong, or which studied, blind you to broader view.
2. Need be sensitive to distinctions race, sex, age, and other social
distinctions.

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