Qualitative Data Analysis

Course Description.

This course provides a comprehensive level introduction to Qualitative Research and
Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA), grounded in interpretivist and constructivist research
traditions. The course focuses on understanding social phenomena in natural settings by
examining meanings, experiences, and perspectives of participants. Learners are guided
through the full qualitative research cycle, from research design and data collection to
systematic data analysis, interpretation, validation, and reporting of findings.
Emphasis is placed on qualitative research designs, sampling strategies, data types, and
data collection methods relevant to health and social sciences. Students will develop
competencies in familiarization with qualitative data, inductive and deductive analytical
approaches, coding, theme development, and interpretation. The course also introduces
computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (QDAS) to support data
organization, coding, visualization, and reporting. Analytical rigor, reflexivity, ethical
practice, and transparency are emphasized throughout the course.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, the learner should be able to:
1. Explain the philosophical foundations and principles of qualitative research.
2. Differentiate qualitative research from quantitative research in design, data
collection, and analysis.
3. Select appropriate qualitative research designs, sampling strategies, and data
collection methods.
4. Prepare and manage qualitative data, including transcription and metadata
documentation.
5. Apply inductive and deductive approaches in qualitative data analysis.
6. Systematically code qualitative data and develop categories and themes.
7. Utilize qualitative data analysis software to organize, code, retrieve, and visualize
data.
8. Interpret qualitative findings within their social, cultural, and contextual settings.
9. Apply strategies to ensure rigor, credibility, and trustworthiness in qualitative
analysis.

10.Communicate qualitative findings clearly through academic reports and
presentations.

Course Outline:

Module 1: Introduction to Qualitative Research

• Introduction to Qualitative Research
• Dimensions of Qualitative Methods
• Qualitative Study Designs
• Sampling in Qualitative Research

Module 2:  Qualitative Data

• Overview of Qualitative Data
• Introduction to Data Types
• Types of Qualitative Data

Module 3: Qualitative Data Collection and Methods

• Introduction to Data Collection
•  Questions for Qualitative Interviews
• Other Data Collection Techniques (optional, e.g., focus groups, observations)

Module 4: Data Preparation and cleaning

• Transcription and translation
• Preparing Metadata
• Organizing Qualitative Data for Analysis

Module 5: Qualitative Analysis

• Introduction to Qualitative Data Analysis
• Purpose and Importance of Analysis

Module 6: Approaches in Analysis

• Qualitative vs Quantitative Data Analysis
• Key Terms Used in Analysis
• Principles of Qualitative Data Analysis
• Features of Qualitative Data Analysis
• Process of Qualitative Data Analysis

Model 7: Data Collection and QDA Software

• Types of Qualitative Analysis
• Strategies for Analyzing Observations
• Data Collection Considerations
• Introduction to QDA (Qualitative Data Analysis) Software

Course Delivarables

• Coded qualitative dataset
•  Analytical summaries and visual outputs
• Final qualitative analysis report
• Certificate of Completion / Academic Credit