Text and Qualitative Data Analysis

Catalog description

This course provides an overview of the tools most commonly used to analyze data from textual or qualitative sources such as written or digital text, interviews, focus groups, and opened-ended survey questions. Both manual (i.e., by hand) and software analytic approaches will be explored. For each type of analysis, the underlying theory, assumptions, and mechanics of how each analytical tool works, are discussed, along with appropriate interpretation of results. The course is designed for students from any major with real-world examples drawn from the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, business, and government. Students of all skill levels are welcome, including those with limited or no statistical, mathematical, or programming backgrounds. All analysis skills will be taught in class.