Teaching Qualitative Data Analysis using Open Data, Standards, and Tools

Teaching Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS) can be a challenge: Qualitative data for instruction can be hard to find, CAQDAS data formats are proprietary as are all leading tools. In this “train the trainer” workshop, we show how instructors can leverage the recent opening of qualitative research infrastructure and build an effective training around open qualitative data (as can be found in the Qualitative Data Repository), open standards (here, the REFI-QDA standard for the exchange of qualitative data projects), and open tools (the open source QualCoder software). The workshop follows the structure of an “Introduction to Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis” workshop, but focuses on the technical backgrounds and pedagogical issues that instructors face when teaching such a course. We begin with an introduction to the Qualitative Data Repository, the REFI-QDA format, and the QualCoder software. We discuss identifying qualitative data for teaching a workshop as well as common challenges in setting up and working with the QualCoder tool. We then jointly engage in an abbreviated version of a set of qualitative data coding exercises that highlights good practices in teaching the coding of qualitative data. The workshop concludes with some considerations for sharing coded qualitative data. The target audience for the workshop are principally data professionals with some familiarity with qualitative research who are considering providing support for qualitative researchers. That said, the workshop does not have any pre-requirements and is also open to adventurous beginners interested in learning about qualitative data analysis and its developing open infrastructure.