SOS8002: Qualitative analysis and theory development using Stepwise-Deductive Induction (SDI)
This three-day course invites participants to a thorough understanding and application of thematic analysis by a stepwise-deductive inductive approach, as well as the use of HyperRESEARCH software for coding, code-grouping, and reporting.
The course will be of relevance for candidates from various disciplines, who are applying thematic qualitative analysis from either interviews, observation studies, and/or documents. Participants are expected to be in a stage of their PhD in which they have empirical material. Participants are also expected to have a licensed version of HyperRESEARCH.
When: December 2-4, 2024
Where: NTNU Kalvskinnet Campus Akrinn vest (Gunnerus gate 1). Room G254.
Application deadline: September 15
Registration: Opens June 15
Language: Norwegian, English if needed.
ECTS credits: 10
The course is open mainly for DIGIT members. If you are not a member and would like to join, get in touch.
There is an option to enroll in the course/workshop without submitting the work requirement and receiving the ECTS. If you choose to pursue this option, please contact the DIGIT coordinator.
Aksel Tjora, Professor of Sociology, NTNU Gunhild Tøndel, Associate Professor of Sociology, NTNU
About registration
Candidates from NTNU register through Studentweb. The course code is SOS8002. External applicants who do not have a study right at NTNU, need to apply for admission through NTNU’s Søknadsweb. You can find more information here: Research courses for external candidates - NTNU. Application deadline: September 15.
Content
The course invites participants to a thorough understanding and application of thematic analysis by a stepwise-deductive inductive approach, as well as the use of HyperRESEARCH software for coding, code-grouping, and reporting. Processes of theory development is emphasized and explored through concepts such as emergence and empirical-analytical reference points (EAR). The course draws attention to both theoretical/principal considerations of SDI and its basis in Grounded Theory, and the practical application of SDI on the participants own empirical projects.
Programme
Dec. 2nd
10.00 Welcome Participant presentations, including outline of projects
11.00 The concept of SDI, its background and application Examples
12.00 Lunch at SiT Café, Akrinn (campus)
13.00 Coding – principles of empirically-close coding
14.00 Code grouping – principles and practice 15.00 Using HyperRESEARCH - introduction
16.00 End of seminar (time for individual work)
19.00 Dinner at Kalas & Canasta (Nedre Bakklandet 5)
Dec. 3rd
09.00 Exercise on HyperRESEARCH (HR), groupwork using participants’ own transcripts.
12.00 Lunch at SiT Café, Akrinn (campus)
13.00 Summing up group work
14.00 Discussion: The impact and challenges of technologically based analysis
15.00 Emergence, abduction, EAR-points, theorizing
16.00 End of seminar (time for individual work)
19.00 Dinner at Gubalari (K.U.K. Kjøpmanns gt. 38)
Dec. 4th
10.00 Individual discussions on submitted papers, potentially edited on basis on previous lectures
12.00 Lunch at SiT Café, Akrinn (campus)
13.00 Discussion: Emergence and abduction in relation to participants’ projects
14.00 Round table final reflection: relevance of SDI, ways forward in projects, course paper suggestions and further publication ideas in relation to SDI
15.00 End
Readings (preliminary)
ARTICLES
Clark, T. (2024). From Interpretation to Interruption: Embracing disruptive analysis. Qualitative Research, 1-12.
Hammersley, M. (1995). Theory and evidence in qualitative research. Quality and Quantity, 29(1), 55-66.
Kenny, M., & Fourie, R. (2015) Contrasting classic, Straussian, and constructivist grounded theory: Methodological and philosophical conflicts. The Qualitative Report, 20(8), 1270- 1289.
Krause, M. (2016) The meanings of theorizing, The British Journal of Sociology, 67(1): 23-29.
Roulston, K. (2001). Data analysis and ‘theorizing as ideology’. Qualitative Research, 1(3), 279- 302.
Schutz, A. (1953) Concept and Theory Formation in the Social Sciences, Paper presented at the 33rd Semi-Annual Meeting of the Conference on Methods in Philosophy and the Sciences, New York, May 3,1953.
Swedberg, R. (2016) Before theory comes theorizing or how to make social science more interesting, The British Journal of Sociology, 67(1): 5-22.
Swedberg, R. (2019) How to make sociology out of data: Robert K. Merton's course in theorizing, The American Sociologist, 50: 85–120.
Swedberg, R. (2023) Two Ways of Looking at Theory, Exemplified by The Dynamics of Bureaucracy by Peter M. Blau, Journal of Organizational Sociology, 1(2): 223–249.
Timmermans, S. and Tavory, I. (2012) Theory Construction in Qualitative Research: From Grounded Theory to Abductive Analysis, Sociological Theory, 30(3) 167 –186
BOOKS (Norwegian and English options)
Tjora, A. (2024) Viten skapt: Kvalitativ analyse og teoretisering ved stegvis-deduktiv induksjonikling [Insight created: Qualitative analysis and theorizing by stepwisedeductive induction]. 2. utgave. Cappelen Damm Akademisk.
Tjora, A. (2021) Kvalitative forskningsmetoder i praksis. 4. utgave. Gyldendal akademisk.
Tjora, A. (2019) Qualitative Research as Stepwise-Deductive Induction. Routledge.
Learning outcomes and competence
Understanding of thematic analysis by SDI, application of SDI on the participant’s own empirical material, use of HyperRESEARCH software for coding, code-grouping and reporting. The construction of analysis sections. Concept development and theorization.
Preparation
Participants are expected to be in a stage of their PhD in which they have empirical material from interviews, observation, and/or documents. Participants are expected to have a licensed version of HyperRESEARCH software for qualitative analysis. In cases where candidates do not have their own empirical material, they are expected to collaborate on other participants’ material
Examination
SDI-based analytical draft paper on 7-8000 words, submitted at latest Februar 28th 2025.
Requirements
Participants are expected to be in a stage of their PhD in which they have empirical material from interviews, observation, and/or documents. Participants are expected to have a licenced version of HyperRESEARCH.
Financial support
For DIGIT participants residing outside Trondheim, DIGIT will cover expenses related to travel and accommodation. Once your place in the course is confirmed, contact us for more details.
Course leader - Aksel Tjora
Aksel Tjora is educated within computer science, management and sociology, and has been Professor of Sociology since 1998. His research is concentrated on social interaction and societal development, as well as development of Stepwise-Deductive Induction as strategy within qualitative research. Tjora is CEO of the independent enterprise the Sociology Clinic, which develops "sociological services" in collaboration with businesses outside academia. He is also an active voice in public debate.
Please feel free to contact the DIGIT coordinator should you have any practical questions.
Contact Mona Fjellvær at NTNU for questions about admission.
For questions related to the course content, please contact Aksel Tjora.