1K Qualitative Data Analysis: Methodologies for Analysing Text and Talk
Dr Lea Sgier, Central European University
8 - 19 July (two week course / 35 hrs)
Detailed Course Outline [PDF]
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Course Content
This is a course centred on qualitative textual analysis. The main emphasis is on exploring various approaches to qualitative data analysis and interpretation, from thematic analysis to interpretative approaches such as discourse and narrative analysis. We will discuss how each of these methods reveals different aspects of the data and is grounded in different research perspectives. We will review the nature, strengths and limits of various approaches and get acquainted with their practicalities through a series of practical exercises. We will also explore the implications of various types of analysis on the data generation stage, for qualitative interviewing in particular, and reflect upon issues such as appropriate topic guides, interviewing techniques and transcription practices. (This is not a full course on interviewing though, only the aspects directly connected to the data analysis stage will be discussed). Particular attention will also be given to the writing-up stage of qualitative analysis and its difficulties. Other topics to be addressed are the epistemological foundations of qualitative research, validity and reliability issues, as well as issues of interpretative authority and research ethics. The course consists of lectures and practical exercises. Participants will be invited to hand in various pieces of data analysis in the course of the two weeks. They will have the opportunity to work on their own data if they wish .
Course Objectives
The aim of this course is to familiarise participants with the practical application of qualitative data analysis, with an emphasis on interpretative methods. At the end of the course, participants will understand the implications of applying various methods to textual and interview data. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a more sophisticated and critical attitude towards data, the research process and research reports.
This is not an introductory course to qualitative methodology in general, but a doctoral-level course that focuses mostly on (textual) data analysis. It is suitable mainly for two types of participants: participants already engaged in research requiring textual analysis who are moving towards the data analysis stage and need to acquire some analytical tools for this; and participants at earlier stages of their research who wish to gain a general understanding of various approaches to textual analysis.
Course Prerequisites
A general understanding of qualitative research in the social and human sciences (MA level or equivalent). Participants with little prior knowledge in qualitative research who consider taking this course are advised to contact the instructor before enrolling.
Remedial Reading
Silverman, D. 2006. Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analyzing Talk, Text, and Interaction. (3rd ed.). Sage.
Coffey, A. and Atkinson, P. 1996. Making Sense of Qualitative Data. Sage.
Representative Background Reading
Wetherell, Margaret., Taylor, Stephanie and Yates, Simeon J. (Eds) 2001 Discourse as Theory and Practice. London, Sage.
Wetherell, Margaret., Taylor, Stephanie and Yates, Simeon J. (Eds) 2001 Discourse as Data. London, Sage.