Course dates: 22 September 2008
Course fee: £100
Course tutor: Ann Lewins (QDAServices and CAQDAS Networking Project, University of Surrey, IHR)

Researchers in the social sciences and humanities are increasingly using computers to manage, organise and analyse qualitative data, that is, non-numerical data from textual sources. This one-day workshop introduces historians to this rapidly growing field, explaining both its strengths as an analytical approach and, more practically, how to set about it. Participants will learn how to use NVivo 8, a new package in the NUD*IST stream of software from QSR designed to help manage, organise and analyse qualitative data, with particular attention being paid to its use for historical research projects.

Aims and Outcomes
Participants will complete the workshop having a clear idea of:

* The types and range of data and material that can be incorporated into work with NVivo8
* How to prepare data for the software
* How thematic code and retrieval devices work
* How the writing of analytic memos /notes can be organised with the data
* How to get a project started

Other aims include coverage (but to a lesser extent) of other functionality in NVivo8 - to provide a longer term view of the usefulness of the software:
# How to organise structure and descriptive features of the data – e.g. socio-demographics
# Graphic mapping tool (the Modeller)
# How to hyperlink to external documents and file e.g. multimedia –web pages
# How to link between documents
# Coding using the NVivo8 ‘relationships’ tool
# Using the Query tool – bringing together different elements of work done with the software

The workshop is open to postgraduates, academics and all who are interested in using computers for the analysis of qualitative historical data. It will take place in the IHR computer training room between 10.30 and 17.00 on 22 September 2008. Places are strictly limited to 14 people and early application is strongly recommended.

Further details
Application form (rtf file, 32KB)