The course focuses on two sets of material available to researchers, i.e. literature and qualitative data. It discusses both types of material and suggests a CAQDAS approach for the analysis of them.

Reviewing the literature is integral to thinking about the research that researchers are undertaking. It relates to the formulating of research questions, the framing and design of the work, the methodology and methods; the data analysis; and the final conclusions and recommendations. Undertaking a review of the literature allows researchers to define what the field of study is, establish what research has been done which relates to the research question or field of study, consider what theories, concepts and models have been used and applied in the field of study, identify and discuss methods and approaches that have been used by other researchers; and identify the ‘gaps’ or further contribution that the present piece of research will make.

Research issues are becoming increasingly complex and are getting harder to address, e.g. in new topic areas. Consequently, qualitative research in general and qualitative computing in particular has become widely accepted. This course covers parts of the broad field of qualitative methods and methodology: overview, sampling, analysis and quality assessment (leaving out how to collect qualitative data).

At the end of the seminar students are expected to have an understanding of:

•    Goals and techniques of literature reviews

•    Qualitative research approaches

•    Sample methods/criteria

•    Basics in analysis of literature, interview and observation material (transcription, field notes, photos and videos)

•    Quality assessment of literature review and qualitative research

After completing the course, students will be familiar and able to work with a particular software package (NVivo), which integrates a wide range of tools and enables researchers to analyze and visualize qualitative data, and link it to quantitative data.

Participation (50%)

Participants are required to work on their own projects (50%)

1. After unit 1 and 2 each participant should

• search for literature (at least 10 sources) and organize the literature in Endnote or a similar reference software program.
• apply a sample method according to discussed criteria;
• collect qualitative data: conduct interviews (at least 3) or run a focus group discussion, collect observation material (photos, videos, audio, website content, field notes, brochures, etc.)
• prepare transcripts and write a protocol for each interview, focusgroup, observation, etc. (word documents).

The project to be handed in exists of a NVivo project (including a node system, queries, models), which also includes a memo on the process of working with NVivo (what are challenges, etc.) as reflection on the course.

Deadline for handing in the NVivo project: End of semester