More about ESDS Qualidata...
Qualitative data portfolio
ESDS Qualidata acquires data created during the course of qualitative research across a wide range of social science
disciplines. Data supported include: in-depth and semi-structured interviews; focus groups; field notes and observations;
personal documents and photographs. The service provides access to some of the classic post-war studies of British
society including:
- the Peter Townsend collection featuring studies on poverty and the life of older people, Family Life of Old People (1955), The Last Refuge (1959) and Poverty in the UK (1979)
- the Paul Thompson collection comprising the major life history interview study of The Edwardians (1975)
- Stan Cohen's Folk Devils and Moral Panics (1967) focusing on the genesis and development of the 'moral panic'
- Dennis Marsden's and Brian Jackson's research papers including their data for Education and the Working Class (1962)
- John H. Goldthorpe et al. The Affluent Worker (1962) undertaken to test the thesis of working class embourgeoisement
Data are selected according to the ESDS Collections Development Policy that considers: the relative importance of the
study; the format, usability and condition of the materials; the potential scope for re-use; and issues of copyright and
confidentiality.
While the emphasis is on acquiring digital data, ESDS Qualidata continues to facilitate both resource discovery of
qualitative sources archived in the UK and the preservation of important large paper collections.
Value-added products
ESDS Qualidata adds value to data for the research, learning and teaching communities by:
- enhancing user-oriented information about data to provide a better understanding of the study and research methods, including documentation and 'behind the scenes' interviews with depositors
- allowing users to browse the content before they decide to acquire the data, via web-based samplers of key qualitative datasets and links to methodological information
- providing guidance on how to use data resources, for example through thematic web pages, FAQs, bibliographies of articles, case studies and commentaries on re-use
Online access
ESDS Qualidata is committed to offering more flexible access to digital qualitative data, via the UKDA web-based
download system and online browsing of data. The Qualidata Online project represents the second phase of work on
developing online access to qualitative data using XML standards and tools.
Training courses
A programme of training events and activities aims to enhance the methodological and substantive understanding, and
secondary analytical potential, of archived qualitative data sources. ESDS Qualidata offers:
- tailored user and 'data confrontation' workshops
- online training materials
Supporting data creators
ESDS Qualidata provides specialist support for creators and depositors of qualitative data, especially ESRC award
holders. Researchers are advised to seek guidance from ESDS Qualidata at an early stage in their project to ensure that
the sharing of their data will be possible. Data should be collected and prepared in accordance with ethical and legal
requirements and should be fully supported by adequate documentation that will enable informed secondary use. Examples
of good practice are:
- in-depth interviews transcribed in word-processed format
- audio-recordings of good sound quality, and in digital format where possible
- informed consent and confidentiality concerns addressed prior to data collection
ESDS Qualidata has a dedicated Acquisitions and Liaison Officer to provide advice to researchers and depositors.
Keeping in touch
A wide range of dissemination and outreach activities provides support for, and awareness of, the potential of
qualitative data including:
- a dedicated help desk facility
- regularly updated web pages and FAQs
- JISCmail discussion list - a forum to raise debate on issues arising in the use of qualitative data
- news bulletins and articles
- presence at conferences and events
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