Beyond Text: Using the Advanced features of Qualitative Data Analysis Software

Most advanced qualitative data analysis (QDA) packages have features that go well be on the ability to code, classify and comment on text. The workshop will focus on: (1) Analyzing non-text based media. (2) Using “network,” and “relationship mapping” approaches. (3) Using QDA packages to assist in mixed method studies.

*Analyzing non-text based data*

Qualitative studies generally involve the analysis, interpretation and manipulation of text. In most cases this involves translating observations, video or audio recordings* *from their original format into transcripts. Detail and nuance found in the original recording can be lost in the translation. The workshop will show how modern QDA packages can assist researchers to code, attach memos, hyperlink and perform other operations with digital video, audio recordings and still images. Workshop organizers will also demonstrate how even small video, audio segments or still images can be used to capture nuance or to add emphasis to transcripts.

*Using Networks and Relationship Maps*

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A common problem for researchers with qualitative data is that text, video and audio recordings tend to flow in a linear, sequential order, while the ideas contained within rarely follow such an order. “Network” features in some QDA programs allow the research to view data in completely novel, graphically oriented ways. This allows the researcher to structure and view data in a way that makes conceptual sense, regardless of where these concepts appear in the data.

The presentation will focus on two types of “relationship maps.” The first type is useful for relating and refining basic themes and concepts. This involves graphically representing codes, supercodes, code families and other conceptual objects. Most QDA packages have features that will allow them to be arranged hierarchically. The presentation will also present some non-hierarchical, non-linear approaches to presenting and analyzing data.

Second, a graphical approach to hyperlinking data will be presented. While the concept hyperlinking is well known to internet users, some QDA software allows researchers to define or annotate relationships between text or multimedia data, as well as to arrange them in chain, star or other kinds of non-linear sequencing.

*Using Advanced Features in Mixed Methods Studies*

The first part of this presentation will involve the use of the relationship maps (used above) in developing hypothetical path models. Examples will be drawn from the author's current research which used QDA software to derive a hypothetical path model from qualitative data, that is currently being tested in a quantitative study using structural equation modeling software.

Modern QDA packages can do much than simple content analysis and word counts. The organizers will demonstrate how a properly designed approach can develop variables at an ordinal level or higher for analysis by conventional statistical packages.

Finally, if time allows, the presentation will include a demonstration of how QDA software and digital video can be used for training clinical researchers to identify and record behaviors in controlled, video taped settings, before going into field settings where they will make “live” recordings.