I'm at the point in my thesis where I'm analysing the data I collected. My data is qualitative, so if you're someone who has done qualitative data analysis, you'll know what I mean when I say it's DIFFICULT!

I have multiple sources of data, including surveys, observation notes and interviews. I initially used excel to do my analysis but I was finding it quite difficult to code multiple themes for one sentence. This led me on a search to find a really good tool that could help me with the daunting task of qualitative analysis. I downloaded a few trials here and there, but the one that won my heart was MAXQDA. The interface is brilliant and it's so easy to code my data. You can an example of how it looks below.

I'm currently using a trial which lasts 30 days, so hopefully I'll finish my analysis before the 30 days are up! Otherwise, I'll have to make a plan to purchase it, they do offer large discounts for students.

Download the demo.

For my thesis I had to do a few interviews which then had to be transcribed. If you've transcribed interviews before, it literally is the most mind-numbing thing to do. Especially when they're longer than 20 minutes.

The one major plus to doing your own transcription is really getting to grips with what the interviewee said and you'll remember important bits when analysing your data.

So if you're like me and can't persevere through the transcribing or don't have the time, then the best option is to use a transcription service. Now the downside of these services are that they are ridiculously pricey. As a student you can't pay R10 or a $1 a minute. It's just not feasible.

So I ended up doing a few transcriptions myself and then for the rest I used Fiverr.com. The best/cheapest option you'll find! You can even get deals such as $5 for 20 - 30 minutes of audio.

I've already completed two orders on Fiverr, with the transcriptions having roughly a 95% accuracy. I'm currently putting through three more orders. I highly recommend the service. If you want to test the waters, choose well rated individuals. I also suggest informing your transcriber of the common words use in your interview. Most people don't know what MOOCs are, so I gave the transcriber a little heads up.

MOOC (free)	MOOC (certified)	Face-to-face peers	Face-to-face facilitator/instructor
X				Normal
	X
X		X		e.g. students using Coursera / meetup.com to find peers
	X	X
X		X	X	Wrapped MOOCs
	X	X	X

I have some good news or great news rather! I passed all my modules with amazing grades. Way beyond my expectations and I'm so proud of myself. This year I will be completing part 2, the dissertation/thesis. I am so scared. Am I even capable of spewing out 100 pages of pure research? I know this is going to be a huge challenge and I need to stay organized if I want to stay ahead of the game. I'm planning to track my weekly word count and create a referencing log for my searches. I'll upload everything I create, perhaps it will help another disorganized soul out there.

For now, I have to write my thesis proposal and once that's approved things are going to get even more real. I want to graduate by next year June, which means I have roughly a year to complete my thesis. I think it's more than doable but I have to stay focused. Another goal I have is to do well,  over 70% well. Also hoping some will publish me or I get to speak at a conference.

I'm definitely going to be posting my experiences and tips as I go along. I think it will be interesting to look back at this journey.

Just to let you know MOOCs is my topic. Well, my broad topic!



Tasneem

photo credit: Emmanuele Contini via photopin cc