Some Quantitative Data...

I took a look at the survey and it looks like we have 1 mac user, 11 PC users and 5 that are ambidextrous. I have a mac, so I always try to give mac options, but this does give me some insight into how to slant the class. Poor mac.

I also wanted to address some questions that came up on the surveys.

1) Will we be using NVivo or NUDIST (yes, that's what it's really called) software?
This course used to be solely about using Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS). Programs in this category are things like NUDIST, NVivo, Qualrus, HyperRESEARCH, ATLAS.ti, etc. When I began to work on revamping the course, Dr. Voithofer and Dr. Nespor both wanted a more comprehensive approach to the digital tools now available (and that mostly free) to assist in qualitative research. As a result, we will not be focused on CAQDAS, though session 5 is dedicated to its use. We use a free program called WeftQDA (see session 5 for more info) that is very basic, but a good starting point for using the other commercial software listed above.

2) Will we cover software such as UCINET, NetDraw, VisuaLyzer or EgoNet?
Unfortunately, this is the first that I have heard of these tools. They are programs developed to visualize social networking. They seem a little more quantitative to me, but I would need to investigate them further before deciding to put them into the class. For those interested in social networks, many of these have a free download. If you you would like to investigate them and show the class the basics of their use (say for ten minutes one day), I would not be opposed to you skipping one of the other assignments that you may feel is not relevant for you. Please email me if you would like to do this.

3) Is there are write and cite function for mac?
There are many tools or bibliographic managers that work for both macs and PCs and we will be looking at these next week. I am most familiar with Zotero (see session 2 for more information) and know that it does have this function, which is very useful.

*And last but not least, if you are planning to bring your laptop to class, it might be helpful for you too look at the coming week and download the software that we will use before coming to class. The wireless in that room can be testy and slow, so just a heads up. Have a nice week!