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QualiBuddy: an online tool to improve research skills in qualitative data analysis

Evelyne Mertens (Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium)
Ann Heylighen (Department of Architecture, Research[x]Design, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium)
Anja Declercq (LUCAS, Centre for Care Research and Consultancy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium)
Karin Hannes (Methodology of Educational Sciences Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium)
Fred Truyen (CS Digital, Department of Literature and Culture, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium)
Yvonne Denier (Interfaculty Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium)
Bernadette Dierckx de Casterlé (Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium)

Qualitative Research Journal

ISSN: 1443-9883

Article publication date: 13 November 2017

799

Abstract

Purpose

Novice researchers experience difficulties in analysing qualitative data. To develop the skills necessary for qualitative data analysis, theoretical manuals are often insufficient. Supervisors supporting students in analysing qualitative data stress the need for practical guidance, including exercises and feedback. The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss QualiBuddy, an interactive online support tool in answer to this need.

Design/methodology/approach

An online support tool was developed in answer to existing problems regarding analysing qualitative data. The tool provides a learning trajectory of 11 stages of analysis, which all contain examples, exercises, feedback, verification questions and questions for reflection. This tool is developed from a multidisciplinary perspective and is constructed around various steps. During the development process, internal feedback from the members of the project team, as well as external feedback from an international steering group with experts in qualitative research were taken into account.

Findings

The tool QualiBuddy is based on an empirically and theoretically grounded approach to qualitative data analyses. Pilot tests with experienced qualitative researchers suggest that the tool potentially allows novice researchers from various domains to develop and improve their skills in conceptualising interview data, specifically within a grounded theory approach.

Originality/value

QualiBuddy is a newly developed interactive online education tool based on and complementary to existing guides for qualitative data analysis.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the members of the external steering committee, in particular: Angelique de Rijk, Mieke Grypdonck, Dimitri Mortelmans and Sofie Verhaeghe, to Geraldine Clarebout and to all the participants in the pilot for their contributions, feedback, comments and suggestions. Their input contributed significantly to the final result of this project. This project was financially supported by the KU Leuven, Educational projects 2013.

Citation

Mertens, E., Heylighen, A., Declercq, A., Hannes, K., Truyen, F., Denier, Y. and Dierckx de Casterlé, B. (2017), "QualiBuddy: an online tool to improve research skills in qualitative data analysis", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 306-318. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-06-2016-0034

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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