Introduction ESDS Qualidata John Southall ESDS Creating and delivering re-usable qualitative data 24 June 2004

ESDS Qualidata

Qualitative data collections data from National Research Council (ESRC) individual and programme research grant awards data from ‘classic’ social science studies other funders/sources focus on DIGITAL Collections, but also facilitate paper-based archiving

Types of qualitative data diverse data types: in-depth interviews ; semi-structured interviews; focus groups; oral histories; mixed methods data; open- ended survey questions; case notes/records of meetings; diaries/ research diaries multimedia: audio, video, photos and text (most common is interview transcriptions) formats: digital, paper, analogue audio- visual

Classic datasets Peter Townsend – Poverty, old age and Katherine Buildings Paul Thompson – oral history and Edwardians Ray Pahl – Hertfordshire Villages studies National Social Policy and Social Change Archive

Diverse uses for existing data enrich context description how was it really done documentation of methods –team ‘discussions’ about coding –what, exactly, is ‘semi-structured’? augment data you collect –historical comparative case –expand sample size datasets for teaching

Is it always re-usable? restrictions on secondary analysis accessible coherent format –medium –layout processing before delivery

Good archiving = good research thorough documentation well organised and labelled files major stages of research recorded consent, copyright and related issues clarified

Characteristics of a good archived research collection intellectual content extensive raw data created supporting documentation consent transcription identifiers removed listing

Intellectual content builds on previous research addresses new issues innovative approach to discipline innovative approach to qualitative methodology

Extensive raw data types of research data assembled –in-depth interviews –focus groups –field notes/participant observation –case study notes images and sound recordings range of material – broad focus

Supporting documentation examples –funding application –description of methodology –communication with informants on confidentiality –coding schemes/themes –technical details of equipment –interview schedules –end of award report –documentation from CAQDAS software packages, e.g. analytical memos –bibliographies, resulting publications anything that adds insight or aids understanding and re-use

Transcribing research 1 integrated into the ongoing research full transcriptions or summaries avoid stockpiling costs and benefits –self transcription –internal team transcription –external transcription

Transcribing research 2 budget –estimated number of interviews x 4 hours x 60 minute tape x hourly salary examples of good and bad full transcriptions –consistent layout –speaker tags –line breaks –header with identifier other details –checked for errors

Identifiers removed confidentiality respected anonymisation? problems of anonymisation –applied too weakly –applied to strongly –timing –potential for distortion –examples user undertakings appropriate and sympathetic

Listing research contents key elements –general –specific to project template approach point of entry

Conclusion: Re-usable research widely disseminated and accessible suitable formats for use and preservation coherent data and methodology appropriate for CAQDAS packages