Qualitative Data Analysis

Catalog description

Students learn to analyze data qualitatively by engaging in, and continuously reflecting on the process. ADTED 551ADTED 551 Qualitative Data Analysis (3) The course is designed for graduate students wishing to gain competencies in qualitative data analysis. It is especially suitable for students needing guidance in completing the data analysis phase of their masters' or doctoral research. The course takes a thoroughly hands-on, inductive approach. Students learn the skills and principles of qualitative data analysis by engaging in, and reflecting on, the process. Texts will be consulted, as needed, but only as resources to assist in the students' on-going work, not as blue prints to follow. Using their own data, the instructor will guide students in selecting and using appropriate strategies and techniques for qualitatively analyzing data. Students will work in teams. Each work team will make periodic progress reports - in the form of oral class presentations. It is expected that students will actively participate in class discussions and in their work teams. Each student will also submit a diskette that contains samples of the work he or she has generated while using qualitative data analysis computer programs. Each student will also submit a final paper that articulates what he or she learned about the qualitative data analysis process.