How do we like to learn qualitative data analysis software?

Abstract

The learning of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) can represent a great challenge and obstacle to the adoption of these tools in support of research. Thus, it seems imperative that CAQDAS developers devise strategies and tools that stimulate and support researchers in the learning process of their applications. To this end, this study focuses on the learning preferences of CAQDAS users. A focus group was conducted with experienced CAQDAS users and an online questionnaire was administered to 232 users from 29 different countries and representing a diversity of 26 CAQDAS. The obtained data allow to infer that the users privilege the learning in context of training, but, when it comes to self-learning, they tend to opt for interactive tools and to resort to tutorial videos. These results seem to indicate that users are looking for solutions that provide them with a learning experience that is more adapted to their style and in the shortest time possible.