Introduction to the Free Package—RQDA for Qualitative Research

Qualitative software packages such as, NVivo, Atlast.ti, and HyperRESEARCH are expensive. As a result, many researchers choose to manually code data with colors or other category identifiers. Nevertheless, as the number of themes increase, the limitations of manual coding becomes obvious. The purpose of this workshop is to introduce a free and publically available software package – R for Qualitative Data Analysis (RQDA). RQDA is an R package for analysis for text-formatted data, which is compatible with Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux platforms. It is user-friendly and seamlessly integrates with R, which makes it possible to conduct statistical analyses on qualitative coding and complex data manipulation. This workshop will provide attendants with an overview of the RQDA package with an emphasis on creating a qualitative data analysis project, managing text files, coding textual data, and exporting and summarizing codes. We will demonstrate the use of the RQDA package and facilitate discussion about its advantages and disadvantages compared to other qualitative software packages.

Topics Overview of R and computerized coding for textual data Downloading and installing RQDA on a computer Creating and setting a data analysis project on RQDA Creating and importing text files Coding text with RQDA Adding attributes to text files Exporting and visualizing codes

Career Level and Prerequisites Participants are expected to have a basic understanding of qualitative research procedures. Knowledge of R commands is not required. At the end of the workshop, participants will have an introductory understanding of the RQDA working environment. Participants also will become familiar with basic skills of coding and interpreting text-formatted data using RQDA. Hands-on learning materials will be available at the workshop.

Methods and Approach We will conduct this hands-on workshop in an interactive manner with the attendants. A PowerPoint presentation and data analysis demonstration will be used in conjunction with interpretations and discussion. Handouts will be provided. Attendants are welcome to ask questions during the session.