Ethnographic approaches and grounded working with ATLAS.ti

Key information

Start date:
28 June 2023
Attendance dates:

28 June 2023

Time commitment:
9:30am - 4:30pm
Venue:
Distance learning
Contact details:

View all sociology CPD and short courses

Overview

ATLAS.ti is a powerful software for the analysis of qualitative materials, including text, audio, video, survey and social media data.

This one day course provides an overview of ATLAS.ti with a specific focus on analytic tasks commonly undertaken in Ethnographic and Grounded Theory approaches, but will also be relevant to those seeking to undertake any inductive, reflexive approach to analysis of qualitative materials. Participants are given the opportunity to practice tasks using sample materials. The focus is on gaining confidence in setting up a project efficiently, managing and organising data, exploring and conceptualising data and interrogating and visualising data.

The course combines discussion, demonstration and hands-on work, including:

  • Contextual discussions – developmental, methodological and analytical principles
  • Software overview – interface, architecture, tools
  • Guided instruction – step-by-step teaching in the operation of ATLAS.ti and the use of tools for analytic tasks.

During the course sample data are used in order to become familiar with tools, and the whole group follows common tasks together and practices exercises individually. Work is structured to provide step-by-step support, contextualised within discussions on methodology and method.

Please note: the tutor will demonstrate using ATLAS.ti 23 Desktop for Windows. Participants using version 22 for Windows or Mac are welcome to attend . For information about products see the ATLAS.ti website.

What you will need to attend

This course is delivered online using Zoom. In order to attend you will need a computer (Mac or Windows) that has access to the internet, and a microphone (inbuilt or external). We encourage participants to share their image using a webcam to foster dialogue and interaction, but this is not a requirement.

You will need ATLAS.ti 23 (or version 22) installed and working on your computer ahead of the session to get the most out of the workshop. If you do not currently have access to the software, the joining instructions to the course will provide details on how to access a free trial, which has no time limit, but does have limited functionality.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the structure of ATLAS.ti and how it can be used throughout a research project
  • Set-up an ATLAS.ti project to reflect initial research design and change structures as a research project progresses
  • Identify ATLAS.ti tools that can be used to fulfil specific analytic tasks; including those supporting researcher note taking and reflexivity, exploration and annotation of material, inductive coding, visualising to support interpretation, sense making and theory building
  • Know where to access relevant resources to support continued ATLAS.ti use.

Course content

  • Principles of using ATLAS.ti
  • Data preparation, import and organisation
  • Data exploration and familiarisation
  • Coding strategies – focussing on inductive, grounded approaches
  • Use of writing and visualisation tools to reflect on data and processes
  • Querying and outputting.

Learning and teaching methods

  • Presentations
  • Demonstrations
  • Guided hands-on exercises
  • Independent hands-on work.

Course leader

Dr Sarah Bulloch

Teaching Fellow

Reading list

Participants are requested to read the MAXQDA review (PDF) before attending this course.

Entry requirements

This course assumes participants have a broad understanding of qualitative methodologies, but assumes no prior knowledge about ATLAS.ti.

Fees and funding

Price per person:

£130

Students

£155

Education and charitable sector applicants

£220

Government and commercial sector applicants

What these fees include

Handouts, slides, links to further resources.

How to apply

Applications will be through our online store. 

Apply now

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations and our terms and conditions. You are also confirming you have read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice.

Further details of our terms and conditions will follow.

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the commencement of the course. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read the full disclaimer.

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Stag Hill

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Nita Walker Administrative Officer, Short Courses
Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH