Choosing and Using Software for Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Research

Consideration is given to the following methodological approaches, positioned as 'analytic strategies', which are explored in terms of how they can be supported through 'software tactics' utilising the features and tools of particular packages:

• Grounded Theory
• Thematic Analysis
• Narrative Analysis
• Discourse Analysis
• Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
• Conversation Analysis and other Ethnomethodological approaches
• Actor-Network Theory

Other methodologies are also explored – please contact the convenor if you have specific needs or requirements.

The following different packages and their features are explored in different workshops:

These support basic coding, memoing and basic retrieval available at low cost to students – including Quirkos and F4 Analyse and open up opportunities for participant involvement in the analysis process.

Sessions introduce and develop approaches to using the two powerful packages available with a site license for Lancaster Students: ATLAS.ti and NVivo on both Mac and PC.

Leximancer is introduced as a package to work with large qualitative datasets (including 1000s of articles or other data) for semi-automated thematic and sentiment analysis.