B5264 - MAXQDA: Qualitative Data Analysis

Learning outcomes

The lab aims to provide the IT skills necessary for analysing, interpreting, and presenting the results of empirical research based on qualitative data (interviews, focus groups, and texts). By the end of the lab, students will be able to: a) collect data using qualitative techniques; b) organise, code, and classify the data; c) effectively process and communicate research findings.

Course contents

Lessons are divided into five thematic areas:

• Basic Functions of the Software: Familiarisation with the different functions of the software through an introduction to its graphical interface and the various components it comprises; presentation of the types of data that can be used.
• Introduction to Analytical Strategies: Presentation of the main analytical frameworks that can be utilised through CAQDAS, including discourse analysis, narrative inquiry, framework analysis, grounded theory, thematic analysis, and visual analysis. Presentation of the mixed methods research framework.
• Defining the Research Project: Use of conceptual maps to define the project; construction and definition of the research question; introduction to the iterative nature of the various stages of the research project formation.
• The Coding System: Introduction to the method of analysis through segment coding; coding of different types of data; construction of the codebook.
• Writing-up: Introduction to various modes of writing and reporting the results from the analysis; selection of CAQDAS outputs to include in the writing phase.

Readings/Bibliography

The main text to support the use of CAQDAS is:

• Silver, C., & Lewins, A. (2014). Using Software in Qualitative Research. A step-by-step guide (2nd ed.). London, SAGE.

Additional bibliographic materials and the software will be provided by the instructor in class and made available on the Virtuale platform.

Teaching methods

The course has a practical focus and attendance is essential. Lectures, in-class exercises, and discussions on the results of the analysis will be an integral part of the teaching methods. Students will have the opportunity to work on previously collected qualitative data to complete the analysis and reporting. If necessary, data sets will be provided for analytical exercises.

Assessment methods

Attendance at the laboratory is mandatory. The attendance requirement is considered fulfilled by attending at least 80% of classes. Therefore, out of a total of 20 hours of laboratory, a maximum of 4 hours of absence is allowed, which is equivalent to 2 classes.

Assessment and evaluation are divided into two phases:

• Mid-course: Students will present a preliminary version of the codebook obtained from their analysis, explaining the analytical framework used and possibly supporting their presentation with other research project definition tools (e.g., conceptual maps) (30% of the final grade).
• End of the course: Students will submit a written report containing a brief description of the research topic/context; a detailed methodological section on the use of CAQDAS; presentation of results; discussion of results (70% of the final grade). Further details on the writing and submission deadlines for the final assessment will be provided on the first day of class.

Below are the guidelines for the final grade:

• Ability to analyze emerging only with the help of the instructor, expression in generally correct language → 18-19;
• Ability to perform independent analysis, expression in correct language → 20-24; 
• Ability to perform critical analysis, mastery of specific terminology → 25-29;
• Ability to perform critical and interrelated analysis, full mastery of specific terminology, and ability to argue and self-reflect → 30-30L

Teaching tools

MaxQDA (https://www.maxqda.com/) will be the core tool used in this course.

A software licence will be provided by the instructor on the first day of class, valid for the entire duration of the course activities.

Given the practical focus of the course and the need for continuous exercises using the software, it is recommended to bring your own laptop for the licence installation.

Please consult the following webpage BEFORE the start of the course to ensure your laptop meets the necessary requirements for software installation: https://www.maxqda.com/products/system-requirements .

Students who do not have a laptop or whose laptops do not meet the necessary requirements are encouraged to contact the instructor in advance (by 15 January 2025) at giulia.dugar@unibo.it to arrange a suitable alternative.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Dugar