Module Detail and its Structure Subject Name Sociology Paper Name Methodology of Research in Sociology Module Name/Title Computer Application in Qualitative Data Analysis Module Id RMS 30 Pre-requisites Knowledge of social science data and data collection techniques. Theory and qualitative research. Knowledge of computer platform and software for qualitative data analysis. Social scientific application of qualitative presentation Objectives To introduce learner to the uses of computer application in qualitative data analysis. This would include introduction to the basic concepts and strategies of the theoretical guidelines in field data collection technique, qualitative data analysis and their organization. Scope and limitations of computer applications in qualitative data structure Keywords Qualitative research, Grounded theory method, Coding, Software application Role in Content Name Affiliation Development Principal Investigator Prof. Sujata Patel Dept. of Sociology, University of Hyderabad Paper Co-ordinator Prof. Biswajit Ghosh Professor, Department of Sociology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan 713104 Email: [email protected] Ph. M +91 9002769014 Content Writer Subhasis Bandyopadhyay Assistant Professor, IIEST-S Email: [email protected] M: 9836945013 Content Reviewer (CR) Prof. Biswajit Ghosh Professor, Department of Sociology, and Language Editor The University of Burdwan, (LE) Burdwan 713104 1 Name of Paper: Methodology of Research in Sociology Sociology Name of Module: Computer Application in Qualitative Data Analysis Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. Learning Outcome 3 3. Use of computer software for analysis of qualitative data 3 4. Data processing in qualitative analysis 4 Self-Check Exercise 1 5 5. Grounded theory 5 6. Semiotics 6 7. Coding process 7 8. Concept mapping 7 9. Qualitative data analysis and computation 8 10. Software platforms 9 Self-Check Exercise 2 10 11. CAQDAS 10 12. NVivo 11 13. Qualitative Data Analysis Programmes (QDA) 12 14. Quality of qualitative research 13 15. Conclusion 13 Self-Check Exercise 3 14 Notes 14 16. Web Links 14 17. References 15 2 Name of Paper: Methodology of Research in Sociology Sociology Name of Module: Computer Application in Qualitative Data Analysis 1. Introduction All research in the final analysis is qualitative research. Because, every research project is aiming at some form of value addition to the knowledge domain, and at the same time, contribute to the enhanced understanding of certain aspect of nature. The terms quantitative and qualitative are only indicative of the principal ways by which a particular body of research is carried out, i.e. whether the method is following numerical representation of empirical study or sensitized analysis of the associated concepts, constructs, and theories. An overwhelming majority of the social science research today is mixed method research where both the qualitative and quantitative approaches complement each other during the entire research process. Insights from qualitative research are having a transformative effect on how we understand and manage our world. A qualitative way of knowing the world can change how we hear and see others; and how we reflect on our own participation in the world around ourselves. The skill sets and knowledge base demanded by qualitative research including technology prowess, artistic aplomb, and methodology acumen challenge us to grow continuously in order to meet the changing demands of academia and the marketplace1. 2. Learning Outcome This module would introduce the learner to the uses of computer application in qualitative data analysis. This would make her/him aware of the scope and limitations of computer applications in qualitative data analysis. The particular process of handling qualitative data through machine interface would also pave the way for development of more sophisticated procedure in the form of regeneration of new software with enhanced analytical sense and ease of use. 3. Use of Computer Software for Analysis of Qualitative Data An important development in recent time is the arrival of computer software for analysis of qualitative data. Lee and Fielding (1991) first coined the term The Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software or CAQDAS that perform such analysis. In the 1990s, Non-numerical Unstructured Data Indexing, Searching and Theorizing (NUD*IST) became very popular. However, relatively new entrants in the field are known as NVivo, Atlas/ti or QDA Miner. Most of the best known programmes allow researchers to code text in the computer and retrieve the coded data. In other words, after some simple operation by the researcher, the computer takes over the physical task of writing marginal codes, marking photocopies of transcripts or field notes, cutting out all chunks of text relating to a code, and pasting them altogether (Bryman 2008: 565). Interestingly, these programmes largely differ from the use of quantitative data analysis software in terms of the environment within which they operate. Despite these developments, there is serious concern about the use of computer software for qualitative data analysis (Bryman 2008: 566-67). Thus, Hesse-Biber (1995) has argued that use of computers for analysis of qualitative data will result in qualitative research being colonised by the reliability and validity criteria of quantitative research. Weaver and Atkinson (1994) feel that the narrative flow of interview transcripts and events recorded in field notes may be lost if fragmentation of textual material is done in the coding and retrieving process. Buston (1997) and Fielding and Lee (1998) also feel that such fragmentation de-contextualise data. The awareness of the context of any research is crucial in any qualitative research. Catterall and Maclaran (1997) have shown that CAQDAS is not very suitable for 3 Name of Paper: Methodology of Research in Sociology Sociology Name of Module: Computer Application in Qualitative Data Analysis Focus Group data. This is because, the code and retrieve function results in loss of the communication process that is vital in any FGD. Coffey et al. (1994) have suggested that the new trend of use of computer for qualitative data analysis has introduced a new kind of ‘orthodoxy’ which is inconsistent with the growing need for a variety of representational modes in qualitative research. Notwithstanding these critics, several writers have preferred to use the available packages on a variety of grounds. As such, computer application (CA) in qualitative research tries to fulfil the twin objectives of scientific research: one, to enhance objectivity in the formulation of research tools; two, to increase the analytical girth of the qualitative researcher without much botheration for developing a standardized platform. CAQDAS can make the coding and retrieval process faster and more effective, and hence, to some it is a “new opportunity” as well. Bryman (op.cit. 567), for instance, took the assistance of NVivo as a tool in the process of qualitative data analysis in his study of visitors to Disney theme parks. To some, these techniques may be helpful in the development of explanations (Mangabeira 1995). It is also suggested that they enhance the transparency of the process of conducting qualitative data analysis as they may force researchers to be more explicit and reflective about the process of analysis. Nonetheless, it remains only an associative process in the research to help the integrative and personal expertise of the researcher concerned. Qualitative research techniques are definitely more dependent on the subjective subtlety of the strategy and sensitivity developed by the social scientists. The following table lists the advantages of qualitative data in the form of document (source: http://www.esourceresearch.org). The Advantages of Documentary Data Advantage Rationale Richness Close analysis of documents reveals presentational subtleties and skills. Relevance and Effect Documents influence how we see the world and the people in it and how we act --- think of advertisements and CVs! Naturally-occurring Documents are instances of what participants are actually doing in the world - without being dependent on being asked by researchers. Availability Texts are readily accessible and not dependent on access or ethical constraints as they may be quickly gathered and encourage us to begin early data analysis. It may additionally be noted that if a researcher has very small data set, it is probably not worth the time and energy to use the new software. Again, if someone does not have easy access to such software, it is likely to be too expensive for any personal use (Bryman 2008: 567). Yet learning the use of new software does enhance the skill base of any researcher for use in future occasion. 4. Data Processing in Qualitative Analysis The analytical process in qualitative setting is largely dependent upon the ways researcher would like to communicate her/his findings. However, there are three distinct pathways in which the qualitative researcher can portray the findings (Kumar 2014: 317): 4 Name of Paper: Methodology of Research in Sociology Sociology Name of Module: Computer Application in Qualitative Data Analysis 1. Developing a narrative to describe a situation, episode, event or instance, 2. Identifying the main themes that emerge from the field-notes or transcriptions of observation and interviews, 3. Taking effort to quantify the frequency of occurrence of a setting or incidence to denote their prevalence. Self-Check