Introduction to Qualitative Analysis: A Coding Exercise Using the Material Culture of College Students

Abstract

This exercise gives students a very brief and simple but effective experience with qualitative analysis. Students will generate their own data, analyze it through a coding procedure, and draw some tentative conclusions that will provide them with an understanding of how patterns can be found in qualitative data. They will also have a chance to engage in...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Qualitative Methodology

Resource Type(s):

Assignment, Class Activity

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

This exercise scales well with almost any class size since students will work in small groups. It is intended for introductory-level students learning about qualitative methods, but can also serve as an introduction—followed by more complex activities—for more advanced students. The exercise can be completed in about 20-30 minutes, with extra time for...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will learn the principles of qualitative analysis
2. Students will find patterns in qualitative data through coding
3. Students will interpret and extrapolate meaning from coded data

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students will carry out a complete, simple qualitative analysis, from data collection through analysis
2. In groups, students will code a sample of personal belongings reducing a long list of objects into a few, meaningful categories.
3. Students will answer several questions, asking them to interpret the meaning of their data in terms of the categories they developed.