Reenvisioning Qualitative Data Analysis Using Software: Graduate Students Voicing Challenges and Suggesting Collaborative Analysis Practices

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Digital, Visual, and Multimodal

Abstract

Although graduate students are increasingly expected to become proficient in using qualitative data analysis software (QDAS), research about what graduate students actually do when they analyze qualitative data using software is limited, and approaches to training often treat QDAS use and qualitative data analysis as disconnected practices. This qualitative study addresses this gap by examining the practices and challenges of graduate students using software for qualitative data analysis. Findings suggest a tension between students’ high expectations of the software and the analytical challenges that they face when using it, as well as a recommendation for collaborative data analysis practices among graduate students to address this tension. The paper discusses these findings in their capacity to better prepare future qualitative researchers.

Author

• Amir Michalovich, The University of British Columbia