Computer based data analysis

Research Methodology in Education

1. A dvance Educational R esearch A nd S tatistics TOPIC : Computer Based Data Analysis A.Arulpriya Second year M.Ed.

2. What is CAQDAS ? Stands for : Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software packages: ‘tools to mechanize tasks of ordering and archiving texts.. For “data administration” and archiving rather than tools for “data analysis”. Example: -Atlas- ti - Winmax - Nvivo -NUDIST - Ethnograph

3. Nature of qualitative data Largely unstructured Mostly text – based: -Transcribed interviews -Transcribed discussions -Field notes -Other written documents (e.g. observations and records of meetings etc.)

4. Computer can be used in statistical analysis for Data collection Data entry Data checking Data screening Definite analysis Presentation of analysis

5. Use of computer software in qualitative studies Transcribing data Writing/editing the data Storage of data Coding data(keywords or tags) Search and retrieval of data Data linking of related text Writing/editing memos about the data Display of selected reduced data Graphic mapping Preparing reports

6. Advantages of computer-aided qualitative data analysis Efficient, save time, assist the management of larger samples, good for research teams Can make the research process more systematic and explicit, which makes it seem more valid or trustworthy Can enhance the researcher’s creativity, by allowing more time to experiment and play with data

7. Cont.…. Organised and controllable data set Support for coding Searching text and codes Support for comparative analysis Models, networks and diagrams Interface with quantitative data

8. Limitations of computer –aided qualitative data analysis Time constraints Can become overwhelmed by larger samples and the wider volume of data that the software can technically manage. Need to learn how to use the software(and need to buy it)

9. Cont. Distance or hinder creativity Machine between researcher and data Limited guidance Selecting appropriate programs Changing categories/moving information

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