Doing Qualitative Research Using Your Computer

Reader/Author Dialog

2008-06-10T18:49:00.009-06:00

Please post comments and questions here. A partial list of Topics is in the left column of this blog and on qrtips.com.

Post comments here that do not correspond with any chapter or previous discussion on this Blog. Scroll down for the most recent postings.

Chapter 1 - Introduction, Coding Terminology, and the big picture

2008-06-10T18:10:00.001-06:00

An introduction to qualitative research methods, the presentation of command-by-command instructions, and qualitative coding. The coding overview includes an analogy to the process of panning gold.

Chapter 2 - Getting started - Planning your qualitative research project

2008-06-10T14:58:00.003-06:00

Time wasting mistakes can be avoided with the careful crafting of research questions, a literature review, the careful selection of the primary research method, financial budgeting, and a carefully written research plan.

Chapter 3 - Organizing and controlling your research

2008-06-10T14:55:00.002-06:00

Chaos and inefficiency will infuse a research project unless it is systematically organized and controlled.

Chapter 4 - Backing up your data

2008-06-10T14:54:00.001-06:00

Why backups are necessary and how to perform secure backups.

Chapter 5 - Collecting your data

2008-06-10T14:51:00.001-06:00

Includes how to prepare for interviews, select recording devices, transcribe raw data, and name transcript files files.

Chapter 6 - Level 1 Coding using Word

2008-06-10T14:31:00.003-06:00

Transcripts, field notes, and other text-based qualitative data can be converted into Word "code documents" to bring logic and structure to the Level 1 coding process.

Chapter 7 - Level 2 Coding using Access

2008-06-10T14:24:00.002-06:00

Access is the most powerful Microsoft Office tool for creating a qualitative code database of Level 1, 2, 3, and 4 codes. A code database expedites the coding process and greatly enhances the ability of the researcher to analyze the data and write the final report.

Chapter 8 - Level 2 Coding using Excel

2008-06-10T14:19:00.004-06:00

Excel can be used effectively as a database for Level 1, 2, 3, and 4 codes. A code database expedites the coding process and greatly enhances the ability of the researcher to analyze the data and write the final report.

Chapter 9 - Level 3 and Level 4 (Theoretical Concept) Coding

2008-06-10T14:06:00.003-06:00

Level 3 and Level 4 coding is relatively fast, fun, and rewarding. During Level 3 and 4 coding the final answers to long-sought research questions emerge.

Chapter 10 - Writing the report, thesis, dissertation, etc.

2008-06-10T13:51:00.005-06:00

Word includes very handy commands and techniques that can make report writing more expeditious. Also, Level 4 and Level 3 codes can be directly converted into headings and subheadings in the "conclusions" section of the report. This makes the conclusions section a pleasure to write.

Appendix - Microsoft Office Basics

2008-06-10T13:36:00.002-06:00

Fundamental skills are discussed in this chapter for Word, Excel, and Outlook.