User needs in learning to use NVivo and N6

This paper will report the early results from an ongoing ESRC project aimed at proving Online Support for researchers learning QDA and CAQDAS such as NVivo and N6. The project is surveying current CAQDAS users to assess their learning needs. On the basis of this it will create and evaluate online training materials for qualitative researchers. The materials will be integrated with other aspects of the CAQDAS Networking Project.

The survey will identify the types of researchers using QDA and CAQDAS. There are several key groups here: Postgraduates and other researchers familiar with qualitative data analysis, but new to CAQDAS, researchers familiar with research methods but new to both QDA and CAQDAS and researchers from outside the social sciences who are also often new to both QDA and CAQDAS.
The paper will report on the kinds of training support these new users need and suggest some of the ways that online training can meet these needs.