The purpose of this four-hour -course is to survey how qualitative data can be analyzed inductively through three different methods from the canon of qualitative inquiry heuristics: 1) codes and categories; 2) thematic analysis; and 3) assertion development.

 Participants will explore these methods by analyzing authentic data sets. The first is in vivo coding and categorizing an interview excerpt of a teacher’s ways of working with her students. The second is thematic analysis of a teacher’s narrative about her relationships with students. The third is the development of interpretive assertions about an ethical dilemma in psychological research. Additional workshop topics include writing analytic memos, constructing diagrams and matrices, and poetic inquiry.

 Participants will explore these course activities and objectives:

1. differentiate the following terms: qualitative data analysis, pattern, code, category, theme, theoretical construct, assertion, inference-making, vignette

2. code and categorize an interview transcript except

3. analyze an interview transcript excerpt thematically

4. develop interpretive assertions about a dialogic encounter over research ethics

5. write short analytic memos

6. construct a process diagram

7. compose a found data poem

 The workshop is targeted to graduate students and novices to qualitative research. Qualitative research instructors may also find utility with the workshop to experience new pedagogical methods with their students. No pre-course assignments or special materials are needed for this course.

Course Instructor:

Johnny Saldaña, Arizona State University