Introduction to MAXQDA a Qualitative and Mixed Methods Data Analysis Software

MAXQDA contains powerful tools to enhance research data management and analysis using project files.

The learning curve is fast, so you can use MAXQDA as a research tool, and focus on how to master and implement an extensive range of research methodologies instead of struggling to learn intricate software procedures.

This practical course covers three main stages of the qualitative data research process. I will introduce you to basic and more advanced features.

By the end of the course, you will be able to use MAXQDA in your own qualitative research projects.

Topic 1: Data Collection and Management

First, we will compile a list of data-gathering activities, using traditional research techniques and online or digital methods.

We will test the ways text files, PDF documents and reports, spreadsheets, survey data, focus group transcripts, bibliographic data, images, audio files, video files, web pages may be collected and imported into a project file using standard file formats and assistant tools like the MAXApp.

Then we will look at the software's main features, and how it is organised internally. This will help you manage your MAXQDA data in a fast and rewarding way.

Lastly, we will test MAXQDA's data preparation and curation features. You will learn how to manage and perform literature reviews using standard file formats that allow file exchange between software packages. 

By the end of this topic, you will know how to navigate efficiently through your databases.

Topic 2: Data Coding

Qualitative data is available in myriad formats. Text analysis is key, but qualitative data analysis is, increasingly, constructed around new formats.

Several methodologies, research designs or coding protocols, can be implemented using MAXQDA. We will discuss briefly the main academic variations in the deductive or inductive approaches and correspondent methodologies to coding, the different ways to code information, and the types of formats that can be incorporated. We will perform practical exercises using multimedia data (images, video, and/or audio recordings) and examples of textual data that encompass, for instance, policy documents, interview transcripts, open-ended survey responses, and newspaper articles.

Coding information and memo-ing features are important parts of qualitative research, and we will look at all MAXQDA's coding possibilities, along with options for linking data, or data classification using variables.

Topic 3: Data Analysis and Visualisation

If you want to construct and evaluate a theory under a methodological framework, your methodological bibliography must be precise.

Having the data in digital format means you can perform multiple types of search across the dataset, to answer significant questions. We will test MAXQDA's multiple query tools to operate simple and/or sophisticated research inquiries.

MAXQDA can also enhance analytical capabilities. I will show you how elements like grid tables and thematic summaries encourage the analytical process.

We will also look at program functions for visualisations that enable new levels of analysis to support qualitative research.

Then we will examine MAXQDA's tools analysing at different levels, and presenting findings in a more attractive way. We will assign colours, and explore functions including: 

• Code Matrix Browser
• Code Relations Browser
• Document Portrait
• Document Comparison Chart
• Codeline.

Raw data has little use, so reporting information remains important. Effective data analysis is guaranteed by MAXQDA, and I will demonstrate MAXQDA's file export features.

A key element in any research process is the ability to communicate effectively and disseminate results. In qualitative research, a good investigation can be blurred by unclear procedures and/or the tasks involved in the progression.

Software can provide evidence-based assumptions for a research audit (e.g. a dataset can be shared). Reporting, on the other hand, involves extracting information from the software and making it malleable enough to present effectively.

Finally, I'll show you how dedicated MAXQDA functions allow users to report all parts of their projects files, and choose what to do with the outputs.

No previous MAXQDA experience necessary, or knowledge of qualitative research methods in general.

Please bring a Windows or Mac OS laptop computer with the 15-day demonstration version of MAXQDA 12 installed and running flawlessly. I will give you a temporary MAXQDA license to continue testing the software after the course.