Module 3

ModulE 3

Overview

Module 3: Use the Annotation and Comments Features to Critically Read and Annotate the Articles in the Software

The purpose of the third module will be to demonstrate how students can use features in ATLAS.ti, NVivo and Excel  tools to export texts for closer reading and additional analysis, reorganize sub-codes for writing, and to create and review memos and comments to improve analysis. Coding  transform reading from a passive to an active process; and creates an opportunity for closer reading, pattern identification and scholarly resource organization, In this module, librarians can also discuss the benefits of writing memos. Memos cab be used to document “how the process of inquiry is taking shape; and the emergent patterns, categories and subcategories, themes, and concepts in your data

At the end of Module 3, students will be able to :

  1. Create annotations or comments for specific documents or quotations
  2. Use Atlas.ti and NVIVO to continue coding and critically reading articles
  3. Use the functions of the program (like the code manager and framework matrix) to export and organize materials for secondary analysis
  4. Create visual representations of data and linkages

Module 3 Activities

Learning Activities for Module 3:

  1. Export analysis results for secondary analysis by downloading lists of quotations, codes, coded text, or other analysis materials.
    1. After doing preliminary queries and auto-coding in NVivo, students can:
      • Right-click on word frequency list to download that as an excel file for a closer examination of possible words for coding. 
      • A word cloud of the frequency list can also be downloaded as a PNG or PDF by right-clicking on the word cloud graphic
      • Text that was auto-coded and saved as a code can be opened by clicking on it and then downloaded as a word file for closer reading and looking at the differences between the articles
      • A full code list can also be downloaded by right clicking in the code area and saving as a word or excel file. 
    2. After doing preliminary reviews and auto-coding in Atlas.ti, students can:
      • Download the word frequency list as a excel file for a closer examination of possible words for coding 
      • Download codes, quotations (either separately or associated with codes) or other materials for closer reading by clicking on the Excel Export button and choosing fields for download. (This post Links to an external site. describes how to do so in Atlas.ti X8, but the instructions are the same for Atlas.ti X9).
  2. Create sub-codes and code families to clarify and reorganize data
    1. For NVivo:
      • Now that you have auto-coded from the queries, you can do some manual coding of articles looking for other insights and patterns in the text. There are 3 ways to manually code in NVivo (creating a new code, dragging to an existing code, or manually creating an empty code (bucket) to code to.
        add QSR video link here
      • If you code up to 10% of your articles by manually coding, you can ask NVivo to auto-code based on your established pattern using the auto-coding wizard
        QSR NVivo video Links to an external site.
      • Auto-coding in documents - you can auto-code 
    2. For Atlas.ti:
      • Now that you have auto-coded from the queries, you can do some manual coding of articles looking for other insights and patterns in the text. You can create new codes for quotations, or add codes that you have already created. You can drag and drop codes from the left pane onto quotations to apply that code as well.
      • You can use the Expert Search feature to look for phrases in your documents in order to code them one by one or all at once with a single code. 
      • You can use the Named Entity Recognition search to have Atlas.ti auto-code proper names and places if you wish. 
    3.  Practice writing while reading
      1. For NVivo:
        • Using the Framework Matrix feature Links to an external site. allows you to create a table of your sources and codes (themes) that are summarized so you can see patterns and differences across your files. It is easier to read down a column and see how the codes present in the article source. You can read further in the significant articles and add text to the auto-created matrix. 
      2. For Atlas.ti:
  3. Create memoranda (memos) and annotations in both programs
    1. For NVivo: You can create both memos and annotation on any item in the NVivo projects such as codes, themes, and files, see videos below:
    2. For Atlas.ti: You can create both memos and comments on any item in the Atlas.ti projects, such as codes or quotations, and files, see videos below:
  4. Associate text/quotations with memos for closer reading and draft writing
    1. For NVivo:
    2. For Atlas.ti:
  5. Use visualization tools to show patterns and connections in the literature.
    1. For NVivo:
      • There are a variety of tools such as map, diagrams and charts, that are created for you or that you can create manually to visualize your data
      • Nvivo video Links to an external site. for exploring and visualizing your data using codes, files and attributes
    2. For Atlas.ti:

 

Learning Materials

Tutorial Videos

Web-based Help Information

NVivo - Different ways to create links Links to an external site. in the NVIvo project

Atlas.ti - Working with Reference Manager Data Links to an external site.. 

 

 

Note: At the end of this module, you will be able to receive optional feedback and participate in discussion activities if you enrolled in this course. If you are just accessing the open Canvas pages you will not be able to participate in discussions or submit an assignment for feedback.

  • Discussion Participation: Do you have questions to ask or insights to share as you think about how qualitative research tools can be used to help do deeper reading? Click on the discussion participation link to share with your peers
  • Optional Assignment Feedback: Once you have set up a project in either NVivo or Atlas.ti, feel free to share a screen shot at this optional assignment feedback link of your software interface, or list of files or list of auto-codes you have created.