"Qualitative research is designed to explore the human elements of a given topic, while specific qualitative methods examine how individuals see and experience the world. Qualitative approaches are typically used to explore new phenomena and to capture individuals' thoughts, feelings, or interpretations of meaning and process. Such methods are central to research conducted in education, nursing, sociology, anthropology, information studies, and other disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and health sciences. Qualitative research projects are informed by a wide range of methodologies and theoretical frameworks." -- SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods
Qualitative data can take many forms, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observation, written or audiovisual diaries, and textual analysis. In qualitative data analysis, researchers identify themes through an iterative process -- for example, through content analysis or inductive coding.
This guide presents resources for conducting qualitative research and qualitative data analysis. For further support, contact a librarian.
The ultimate methods library with more than 1000 books, reference works, journal articles, and instructional videos by world-leading academics from across the social sciences, including the largest collection of qualitative methods books available online.
George Mason University Libraries has compiled an excellent list of qualitative data analysis tools, including free and open-source options.
UDC students, faculty, and staff can request software licenses for proprietary software through the Office of Information Technology.