Online Support for QDA and CAQDAS and Evaluation of Learning Needs, 2004-2005

This mixed methods study examined the needs of researchers learning qualitative data analysis (QDA) and computer assisted qualitative data analysis (CAQDAS), and used the findings to develop an online resource to help with training.<br> <br> The project aimed to evaluate learning needs so undertook a range of interviews and observations with researchers using the software and an online survey. The results highlighted several general issues of relevance to the training of researchers in qualitative methods. As well as identifying particular issues of learning and support that the web site needed to address, the researchers noticed that respondents talked generally about the place of software in their own and their peers’ work and other themes emerged in terms of how they talked of and performed qualitative research.<br> <br> The data available from the UKDA includes 20 semi-structured interviews with CAQDAS software users and trainers, 8 observation transcripts of one-to-one training sessions and the data from an online questionnaire survey.<br> <br> Further information can be found on the <a href="http://onlineqda.hud.ac.uk/" title ="Online QDA">Online QDA</a> web site and the <a href="http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/esrcinfocentre/viewawardpage.aspx?awardnumber=RES-333-25-0009" title ="ESRC Award">ESRC Award</a> web page.<br>