2nd International conference on Computer-Aided Qualitative Research 2011

1. 2ND ASIA-PACIFIC CONFERENCE ON
COMPUTER-AIDED QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
24 & 25 February 2011
University of Macau
Macau SAR, China

2. Computer-Aided Qualitative Research 2011
Welcome from Merlien Institute
We would like to welcome you to today’s event. This international conference is
designed to bring together academics and industry practitioners to discuss the key
issues concerning the use software for accelerating qualitative research analysis.
Your Merlien contact persons at this conference
Conference Director: Jasper Lim
Operations Coordinator: Liliana Jasinska
Logistics Assistant: Abbol, Ningyi Li
Below you will find a few administrative details for your information. Should you
have any queries or problems during the conference, please speak with the contact
persons.
PRESENTATIONS
The presentation slides and papers of this workshop can be viewed or downloaded for
a limited period of time from slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/event/caqra2011
BADGES
Badges have been provided to help you identify fellow participants and the speakers.
Easy identification also helps the conference staff when delivering messages. Please
return your badge to the registration desk at the end of the conference.
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions during the conference, please raise your hand and wait for
the speaker to address you. It would be helpful if you could announce yourself by
name and organisation before asking your question.
EVALUATION FORM
Towards the end of the conference, you will be provided with an Evaluation Form.
We would be grateful if you would take time to complete the form and return it to the
registration desk before you leave the conference.
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3. COMPUTER-AIDED QUALITATIVE RESEARCH 2011
THURSDAY, 24 FEBRUARY FRIDAY, 25 FEBRUARY
08:30 Registration 08:45 Opening words from Merlien Institute
09:30 Opening words by Merlien Institute Chair: Angus Cheong, - Assistant Professor, Faculty of
Agnes Lam Lok Fong - Interim Head of Department of Social Sciences & Humanities - University of Macau
Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences and (China)
Humanities - University of Macau (China)
09:00 The stories behind children living in HIV and
Chair: Wu Mei - Associate Professor, Faculty of Social AIDS affected families: Using CAQDAS to detect the
Sciences & Humanities - University of Macau (China) needs and issues faced by families affected by HIV
and AIDS
Interactive workshop Ng Lee Luan - Lecturer, Faculty of Languages and
09:45 CAQDAS: Comparing the two most popular Linguistics - University of Malaya (Malaysia)
qualitative data analysis software in terms of their
practical usability and methodological utility 09:45 Decision making process in pap smear test:
In this interactive session, Dr Elson Szeto will be A novice’s experience with CAQDAS (NVivo) to
reviewing two popular CAQDAS packages: ATLAS.ti expedite analysis
and NVivo. He will be comparing the software packages Anisah Baharom - PhD Candidate
in terms of their methodological utility and practical Universiti Putra Malaysia
usability within the framework of managing, exploring,
reflecting and integrating qualitative data. He will also 10:30 Networking Coffee break
highlight the core analysis features and will provide 11:00 Structuring and organising qualitative data in
recommendations to researchers on how to make an different devices using Personal Information
informed choice based on their research methodologies. Management (PIM) software
This session is beneficial to researchers who are Garry Tan - Lecturer & Doctoral Candidate
considering using software for enhancing their Nanyang Polytechnic & University of Western
qualitative data analysis and reporting processes. Australia (Singapore)
Conducted by: 11:45 Discussing the challenges and issues in
Elson Szeto - Team Leader of e-Learning, LTTC learning ATLAS.ti among graduate students
The Hong Kong Institute of Education (China) Rusyaizila Ramli - PhD Candidate
12:15 Lunch Break Universiti Sains Malaysia
13:30 Increasing the rigor and efficiency of 12:30 Lunch Break
research through the use of qualitative data analysis Brainstorming workshop
software 13:45 Developing strategies to work effectively in
Suria Baba - Deputy Director, Institute of Principalship teams while using CAQDAS
Studies - University of Malaya (Malaysia) Facilitated by:
14:15 Using ATLAS.ti for accelerating and David J. Kirkham, Managing Director
reporting qualitative data analysis Calistro Consultants (U.K. & Malaysia)
Siti Rokiah Siwok - Lecturer & Doctoral Candidate
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia 15:15 Networking Coffee break
15:00 Networking Coffee break 15:45 Symbolic convergency theory and analysis
of online discussion
15:30 Dynamics of the Web: analysis of user-
Wu Mei, - Associate Professor, Faculty of Social
generated contents from a dynamic approach by
Sciences & Humanities - University of Macau (China)
ePOP TextMiner
Angus Cheong, - Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social
16:30 Closing remarks from the chair and close of
Sciences & Humanities - University of Macau (China)
the conference by organiser
16:15 Artichoke: a tool for transcribing, coding,
searching and retrieving video data efficiently
Tony Fetherston - Team Leader, Centre of Learning &
Development - Edith Cowan University (Australia)
Co-organised by: Sponsored by:
17:00 Summary and closing remarks from chair
17:15 - 18:15 Networking Reception
Supported by:
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4. Thursday 24 February - 09:30
From our chairperson
Opening remarks and speaker introductions
Wu Mei
Association Professor, Coordinator of English
Communication
University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
About Wu Mei…
Prof Wu Mei is Associate Professor at the Department of Communication, the
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, the University of Macau, China.
She specializes in media technology and communication studies. She has
conducted a series of research on the Internet and telephony/mobile
telephony in China. Her publications appear in major journals and by well-
known publishers both in English and Chinese. She is currently a member of
the Executive Board of the China New Media Communication Association
(CNMCA). Her latest book (2010) explores Internet viral marketing in China.
4

5. Thursday 24 February - 09:45
Elson Szeto
Team Leader of e-Learning, LTTC
The Hong Kong Institute of Education, China
Computer-aided qualitative data analysis software: methodological
implications and practical choices
• An overview of CAQDAS - NVivo and Atlas.ti for qualitative data analysis
• Understandings of their methodological implications in a framework of
managing; exploring; reflecting and integrating qualitative data
• By comparing the core data analysis features, a practical choice of
CAQDAS can be made for qualitative data analysis.
• Interactive discussion with the audience
Presentation abstract:
In this pre-conference workshop, Dr Elson Szeto will be giving an overview on
two of the most popular CAQDAS packages. ATLAS.ti and NVivo. He will be
comparing the software packages in terms of their methodological utility and
practical usability with a framework managing, exploring, reflecting and
integrating qualitative data. Dr Szeto will also be discussing the core data
analysis features of these two packages i.e. how a researcher can make a
practical choce of CAQDAS. Members of the audience will be asked to reflect
on their personal preferences using these two packages. This session will
benefit researchers who are considering using software to aid qualitative
About Elson…
Elson Szeto is an education technologist at the Hong Kong Institute of
Education, China. He is involved in the institute’s e-learning development and
related educational projects for enhancement of learning and teaching. His
research interests are art and design education, innovative pedagogy,
impacts of e-learning on higher education and computer-aided qualitative
research.
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6. Thursday 24 February - 13:30
Suria Baba
Deputy Director, Institute of Principalship Studies
University of Malaya, Malaysia
Increasing the rigor and efficiency of research through the use of
qualitative data analysis software
• Discussing a systematic tools to manage and administer the data gain
from several sources
• Identifying user friendly tool in the process of analysing data and leaving
behind the nightmare
• Bridging up the gap by displaying data in many forms to produce rich and
thick information on the study done
Presentation abstract:
Software to support qualitative research is both revered and reviled, because
over the years, researchers still believe in using manual to analyse data as it
is safer and resourceful. Researchers are skeptical about utility, usability and
the ultimate impact of using software. This paper provides an overview of
using well designed research tool using NVivo Version 8 and Version 9 to
facilitate data analysis. The use of this software has proven to benefit and
enrich the findings of the study and is a sure pathway to increase rigor and
flexibility in research. Computer assisted qualitative data analysis software
has also been seen as aiding the researchers for an accurate and transparent
picture of the data whilst providing an audit trail of the data analysis process
as a whole. In NVivo, the task is to archive, manage, analyse and code the
data from various sources whether internal or external and making memos.
NVivo has features that are well suited to aid in analyzing the data throughout
field work followed by refining the data. Discussion in this paper is focused on
the analysing of the data towards the development of the themes and the
display of findings. As a conclusion, procedural instruction and friendly user
features will reduce the fear of the researchers towards changing their beliefs
in using software as it leads to wider spectrum because in using the software
the researchers are assured of a full assistance and work will be done most
efficiently.
About Suria…
Suria Baba currently the Deputy Director (Academics) in the Institute of
Principalship Studies at the University of Malaya, Malaysia. Her professional
area of specialization range in the spectrum of education, specifically in
pedagogical leadership. As a qualitative researcher, she developed
applications on the integration of digital devices and has been a trainer of
using software in analyzing qualitative data. Her expertise in dwelling with the
qualitative software had brought her to be a trainer for national and
international workshop for private and public university as also private sector.
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7. Thursday 24 February - 14:15
Siti Rokiah Siwok
Lecturer & Doctoral Candidate
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Using ATLAS.ti for accelerating and reporting qualitative data analysis
• Helping researchers appreciate the usefulness of ATLAS.ti in doing
literature review.
• Assisting researchers see the user-friendliness of ATLAS.ti during data
analysis.
• Helping researchers find a simple way of retrieving essential points for
writing the findings.
Presentation abstract:
It is common that researchers feel anxious with a new research project. Some
researchers feel anxious due to the excitement of doing the project but most
are anxious due to the perception of the enormity of the task ahead. Although
guidelines of doing literature review are available, the actually doing of the
review can be a daunting task. As data is being collected, researchers may
feel overwhelmed by the accumulation of massive amount of data. Making
sense of the data is a real challenge. At the end of the research project, as
part of being a responsible member of a research community, another
challenging task is writing the report or publishing an article. ATLAS.ti would
not do the thinking process for the research project, but definitely ATLAS.ti will
leave the researcher with more time for the thinking process by making
literature review, data analysis and writing a report systematic, manageable
and enjoyable.
About Siti…
Siti is a Lecturer in the Human Resource Department at the Universiti
Teknologi Malaysia, besides being a counsellor accredited by the Malaysian
Counsellor Accreditation Body. She specialises in family counselling and is
involved in NGO works helping families at risks. Her current project is finding
out the best way to help parents of deaf children who are in a special school
in a local town. This project, which is also her doctoral study, brought her to
learn ATLAS.ti from Dr. Susanne Friese. From then on, it is about her
research love life with ATLAS.ti.
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8. Thursday 24 February - 15:30
Augus Cheong
Research Director, ERS e-Research & Solutions;
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Science &
Humanities
University of Macau, China
Dynamics of the Web：Analysis of User Generated Contents from a
：
Dynamic Approach by ePOP TextMiner
• Introducing a dynamic approach of analysing user-generated online
content
• Analysing real-time searchable data while tracking the diffusion pattern of
specific topics
• Discussing how contents is auto-coded, analysed and visualised by
software
Presentation abstract:
This presentation attempts to introduce a dynamic approach in analysing the
user generated content (UGC) posted on the online forums by using a self-
developed real-time online web content mining system - ePOP TextMiner.
While most of the current computer-aided qualitative research tools are
normally applied for static text data analysis, the ePOP TextMiner is
developed and used to analyze the real-time searchable UGC dynamically so
as to track the diffusion pattern of a specific topic posted and followed by
forum users. In addition, by recording the response counts and hit rates over
a period of time, the popularity of a set of topics and their development of
agenda are examined. A visualized report is ready when the contents are
automatically coded and analyzed. At this presentation, the author will also
demonstrate how to make the task possible with his innovative tool.
About Angus…
Angus Cheong is the Founder and Research Director of ERS e-Research &
Solutions (Macau) which is a research company focusing on web mining and
polling business in the Greater China Region. He is also an Assistant
Professor at the Department of Communication at the University of Macau,
where he teaches “Public Opinion” and “Research Methods in Media Studies”.
Angus was awarded the 2003 Elizabeth Nelson Prize in the 56th Annual
Conference of the World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR).
He has been the partner of the World Internet Project (WIP) since 2001.
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9. Thursday 24 February - 16:15
Tony Fetherston
Team Leader, Centre of Learning & Development
Edith Cowan University, Australia
Artichoke: a tool for transcribing, coding, searching and retrieving video
data efficiently
• Evaluating the efficacy of a tool for of transcribing, coding, searching and
retrieving video
• Discussing and evaluating how to use video for reflective purposes;
• Understanding how to construct themes from coded video and to construct
videos that exemplify that theme and how to export data to Inspiration to
illustrate those themes
Presentation abstract:
Researchers are looking for efficient ways of transcribing, coding, searching
and retrieving this video. Artichoke is a program that facilitates all these
functions. It runs on Macintosh or Windows platforms, creates small files, is
fast and has wide applicability in teaching, learning and in research generally
Artichoke allows the user to enter video into the database, to code and
analyse that video and to use selected segments for reflective purposes.
I will demonstrate Artichoke in this session. Some functions to be shown
include using Artichoke to:
• Transcribe from video
• Capture live video and automatically code it
• Tag and code video segments
• Search for video based on those codes (or on any part of the transcribed
text)
• Quickly retrieve and show video that is searched for and found
• Create video clips based on searches (export to PowerPoint for example)
• Facilitate the use of video for reflective purposes
• Construct themes from coded video and to construct videos that exemplify
that theme
• Export data to Inspiration to illustrate those themes
About Tony…
Tony is an experienced Educational researcher with over thirty years
experience at all levels in education. Currently he is a team leader in the
Centre for Learning and Development at Edith Cowan University in Perth and
is responsible for the quality in teaching and learning throughout the
University. He also conducts research into teaching and learning and
Artichoke arose from needs relevant to that research.
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10. Friday 25 February - 08:45
From our chairperson
Opening remarks and speaker introductions
Augus Cheong
Research Director, ERS e-Research & Solutions;
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Science &
Humanities
University of Macau, China
About Angus…
Dr. Angus W.H. Cheong is the Founder and Research Director of ERS e-
Research & Solutions (Macau) which is a research company focusing on web
mining and polling business in the Greater China Region. He is also an
Assistant Professor at the Department of Communication of Faculty of Social
Sciences and Humanities at the University of Macau, where he teaches
“Public Opinion” and “Research Methods in Media Studies”. Angus is the co-
founding member and deputy chair of the Asia-Pacific Internet Research
Alliance (APIRA) and the founder and president of the Macao Association for
Internet Research (MAIR). Angus was awarded the 2003 Elizabeth Nelson
Prize (the best paper of the year) in the 56th Annual Conference of the World
Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR). He has been the partner
of the World Internet Project (WIP) since 2001.
Angus’ research covers Internet usage and impact, web mining, public
opinions, communication strategies and e-government. He has published
extensively in books, professional reports, conferences and journals. He also
provides research consultancy services to the tertiary institutions, government
agencies and commercial sectors in Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China.
10

11. Friday 25 February - 09:00
Lee-Luan Ng
Lecturer, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics
University of Malaya, Malaysia
The stories behind children living in HIV and AIDS affected families:
Using CAQDAS to detect the needs and issues faced by families
affected by HIV and AIDS
• Showcasing the use of CAQDAS in detecting the needs and issues faced
by affected parties from interview data.
• Demonstrating the procedures involved in deciphering interview data using
computer software.
• Discussing the suitability of CAQDAS in supporting evidence-based policy
formulation.
Presentation abstract:
The HIV and AIDS epidemic, unequivocally recognized as an unprecedented
global health disaster, has claimed over 20 million lives worldwide since it was
first identified almost 30 years ago in 1981as reported by the WHO. The
epidemic’s reach is increasingly making its presence felt in the lives of more
vulnerable groups including women and children. With infection rates still on
the rise and expected to continue to do so for years to come, the social and
economic development of countries, communities, families and individuals
around the world are at risk of being severely undermined by this pandemic.
The study is intended as part of an effort initiated to investigate the extent
children and families who have been affected by HIV and AIDS in Malaysia.
The targeted group of participants in this study included children living in
families with at least one parent affected by AIDS. Semi-structured Interviews
were conducted with parents or the caregivers of these children. The
presentation will demonstrate how CAQDAS was incorporated to detect the
needs and issues faced by families with children who are affected by HIV and
AIDS. In addition, the presentation will also discuss the major findings
obtained from the interview data. Ultimately, the study aims to use the findings
to support evidence-based policy formulation and programming for the
medium and long-term future of Malaysian children affected by HIV and AIDS,
and to generate further stakeholder dialogue and advocacy on relevant
issues.
About Lee-Luan…
Dr. Ng Lee Luan teaches postgraduate courses related to research
methodology and second language acquisition at the Faculty of Languages
and Linguistics, University of Malaya. She is trained in the fields of TESL and
Applied Linguistics. Her current research interest includes computer assisted
language learning, online learning, the use of computer assisted qualitative
data analysis system in deciphering qualitative data in health science related
research. She is also a certified trainer for the software, NVivo.
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12. Friday 25 February - 09:45
Anisah Baharom
PhD Candidate
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Decision making process in pap smear test: A novice’s experience with
CAQDAS (NVivo) to expedite analysis
• Demonstrating the experience of working from ‘what I want the computer
to do’
• Discussing on the tracking of the trail of sub-themes in women’s decision
making process regarding pap smear
• Sharing of experience using sets and queries in carrying out cross
analysis
Presentation abstract:
Introduction: Cervical cancer screening remains an important preventive
measure despite the new development of HPV vaccination against cervical
cancer. However, current studies on the process women go through to
overcome the barriers to have pap smear test is still lacking.
Aims: This study aims to explore the process women go through when making
decision regarding pap smear.
Methods: Phenomenological approach was used to explore women’s lived
experiences in the decision making process regarding pap smear. Semi-
structured in-depth interviews were carried out on married Malay women in a
rural area in Peninsular Malaysia.
Data analysis: For this presentation, the data analysis process undertaken for
12 participants using NVivo 8 will be described. I will share my novice
experience of working from ‘what I want’ to ‘how to get the computer to do it’
for me. Working with sets and queries has helped in analyzing data
systematically and enabled cross analysis to be carried out.
Results: There were eight elements involved in the decision making process.
The coding system has assisted in making the trail of sub-themes
comprehensible.
Conclusion: The NVivo 8 software has aided in analysis and avoided the
confusion and perplexity with the increasing volume of data.
About Anisah…
Anisah is currently doing her PhD at Universiti Putra Malaysia. She is also a
Medical Trainer in the Department of Public Health at the University. Her main
research interest is women’s health, especially reproductive health. She is a
Trainer at the Malaysian National Technical (Training) Committee on Gender,
Rights and Health. She is also a Life Member of Qualitative Research
Association of Malaysia.
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13. Friday 25 February - 11:00
Garry Tan
Lecturer & Doctoral Candidate
University of Western Australia, Singapore
Structuring and organising qualitative data in different devices using
Personal Information Management (PIM) software
• Highlighting the desired features of research data management portable
applications
• Discussing the twelve templates that are used via the portable application
for research data management and examines the problems encountered
• Suggestions for improvement in using portable application for research
data documentation
Presentation abstract:
This paper focuses on the considerations in documenting doctoral case study
research using personal information management (PIM) software that run
directly from a portable flash drive such as MyInfo PRO. The increasing use
of mobile broadband internet, the introduction of smaller tablet-base personal
computers, the increasing popularity of portable applications and the trend
towards higher network security across Singapore provided the context for
discussion. This paper attempts to highlights the desired features of research
data management with the use of portable applications for future qualitative
researchers.
The case study protocol is adapted from Yin (2009: p79) and Halpern’s Audit
Trail (Lincoln & Guba., 1985: p385). About twelve templates were generated
and an information tree is presented to illustrate how the research data is
updated and kept. The open nature of the information facilitated its regular
comparison and reflective journaling by the researcher. Similarly, research
articles and their summaries can be kept within the same database for quick
reference comparison and checks. While there are obvious advantages in
open data systems, improvements are discussed on areas where research
data can be better managed. Research scholars, especially doctoral students
using the case-study approach would benefit from this presentation.
About Garry…
Garry has a diploma in architectural technology from Singapore Polytechnic, a
bachelor degree in technology (industrial design) from Monash University, a
master degree (with distinction) in leadership and education from the
University of Western Australia. He is currently pursing a doctor degree in
education with the same university. Garry has eighteen years of design
experience in tackling military, industrial, commercial and consumer electronic
product design. He has conducted research in design education and led
future-based design projects. As an educator, Garry is with Nanyang
Polytechnic since 1999. He had championed its studio-based approach and
the programme’s integration with industry practices.
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14. Friday 25 February - 11:45
Rusyaizila Ramli
PhD Candidate
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
Discussing the challenges and issues in learning ATLAS.ti among
graduate students
• Improving ATLAS.ti training based on lesson learned from the previous
training
• Discussing about intensive ATLAS.ti training given to 10 postgraduate
student given by a group of students that always use ATLAS.ti
• Discussing the challenges students face when analysing multi-media data
• Evaluating the success of this training by interviewing the participants
using atlas.ti
Presentation abstract:
We have successfully conducted Atlas.ti training to graduate students last
year. However, we found that limited time and a large number of participants
posed a challenge in the training. This year, we propose to conduct the
Atlas.ti training by increasing the training time and recruit only a small number
of participants. We created an intensive Atlas.ti training program whereby the
training session will last for 8 hours and trains about only 10 graduate
students who are pursuing their Masters in Computer Sciences or Masters in
IT Technopreneurship. The training will include Introduction to Qualitative
Research, Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis System (CAQDAS)
followed by Atlas.ti functionalities and hands –on session. In hands-on
session, we will use a real-life research data where the trainer will explain the
scope of the research and explain about the rationale of the data. Participants
will then use the data and learn how to create codes, memos, family and
networks in Atlas.ti. At the end of the training session, we will conduct two
focus group sessions to understand the learning aspects of the Atlas.ti
training. The focus group data will also be analyzed using Atlas.ti.
About Rusyaizila…
Rusyaizila Ramli is a PhD Candidate at the School of Computer Sciences,
USM, Malaysia. She has received her Bachelors degree in Information
Technology Majoring in Multimedia from University Malaysia in 2006.
Rusyaizila Ramli was sponsored by Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia to
continue her Masters in Multimedia Networking at Lancaster University UK in
2007. She was teaching in Faculty of Computer Sciences and Information
Technology in University Malaya for a year before she continues her PhD in
December 2008. Her research interests are in Pervasive Healthcare and
Security and Privacy Issues in Human Computer Interaction.
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15. Friday 25 February - 13:45
David Kirkham
Managing Director
Calistro Consultants, U.K. and Malaysia
Brainstorming workshop: Developing strategies to work effectively in
teams while using CAQDAS
With emphasis being placed on a distributed work environment and with large
qualitative research studies, it is essential for researchers to collaborate and
work effectively as a team. Not only do researchers have to develop efficient
and effective methods of analysing different kinds of data using CAQDAS but
also develop a common ‘research language’ within the team. Add to these the
threats and opportunities that team dynamics generate. The introductory
briefing session will provide some thoughts on how teams develop (Rousin,
2008; Whetton et al, 2000; Klein, 1998; Belbin, 1981;Tuckman & Jensen,
1977) and offer some tools for the work groups. In the workshop, participants
will have to brainstorm and articulate best practices on how to work effectively
in teams, given a large qualitative research project. At the end of the
workshop, team leaders will have the opportunity to present the group results
to the audience. The main theme of this workshop is:
How to develop an effective research design for team work?
Workshop Group Tasks:
• Project planning: Defining criteria for deciding on a software to support the
analysis process. (Group 1)
• Project planning: How to communicate effectively while working in teams?
(Group 2)
• Data collection: How to organize and conduct data collection? (Group 3)
• Data collection and analysis: Special considerations for teams when
working with multimedia data (Group 4)
• Data analysis: How to develop a common coding system while working in
teams? (Group 5)
• Data analysis: Assessing whether inter-rater reliability is important for the
study. (Group 6) If yes: for which purpose and aim?
About David…
David is an authority on strategic management under uncertainty. He has
worked with corporate teams for 20 years across five continents in industrial
and commercial sectors and advises government on risk and crisis
management. After initial study at Cambridge University, his MSc was in
Development Management and his Liverpool University PhD was on crisis
and its management, using multi-media data analysis techniques. He is well-
known for his imaginative, challenging and realistic simulations for senior
executives. He has observed and coached teams for twenty years.
15

16. Friday 25 February - 15:45
Wu Mei
Association Professor, Coordinator of English
Communication
University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT) and analysis of online discussion
• Conceptualizing the nature of online discussion as a transitional and
dynamic content which is created through an individually initiated network
of interactive group communication
• Demonstrating how SCT analysis is conducted in uncovering an
interactive process of rhetoric vision creation among online discussants
• Evaluating the application of computer-aided qualitative research tools in
the SCT analysis
Presentation abstract:
Online discussion is a particular type of public commons created by the
instantaneously and globally accessible conversational media of the Internet
and mobile communication which consists of a variety of social media
applications. The essential nature of the online discussion lies in the fact that
it is an individually initiated network of interactive group communication. It is
individual, transitional and dynamic.
One of the theories which provides a particular insight into the analysis of
dynamic interaction in group discussion is Symbolic Convergence Theory
(SCT). It describes dynamic tendencies in the systems of social interaction
and focuses on the symbolic and shared process of group discourse in
generating meanings. SCT analysis consists of several key terms such as
fantasy themes, fantasy types and rhetorical visions.
This paper, based on two studies of online political discussion in China and
Southeast Asia in relation to international politics, demonstrates how SCT
analysis is conducted in uncovering an interactive process of rhetoric vision
creation among online discussants. The paper also examines the application
of computer-aided qualitative research tools in the SCT analysis.
About Wu Mei…
Prof Wu Mei is Associate Professor at the Department of Communication, the
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, the University of Macau, China.
She specializes in media technology and communication studies. She has
conducted a series of research on the Internet and telephony/mobile
telephony in China. Her publications appear in major journals and by well-
known publishers both in English and Chinese. She is currently a member of
the Executive Board of the China New Media Communication Association
(CNMCA). Her latest book (2010) explores Internet viral marketing in China.
16

17. Attendee List
FIRST NAME LAST NAME JOB TITLE ORGANISATION COUNTRY
Abbol Ningyi Li PhD Student, Faculty of University of Macau Macau
Social Sciences and
Humanities
Agnes Lok Fong Lam Assistant Professor, University of Macau Macau
Interim Head of
Department of
Communication
Angus Cheong Assistant Professor University of Macau Macau
Anisah Baharom PhD Candidate Universiti Putra Malaysia Malaysia
Athena Seng Head of Research Unit ERS e-Research Lab Macau
Chi Hung Chan Research Executive Policy21 Hong Kong
David Chu Leader, R & D ERS e-Research Lab Macau
David J. Kirkham Managing Director Calistro Consultants U.K.
Elson Szeto Team Leader of e- The Hong Kong Institute Hong Kong
Learning, LTTC of Education
Garry Tan Senior Lecturer Nanyang Polytechnic Singapore
Gerald Rubale Research Officer Parliament of the Republic Uganda
of Uganda
Hak Kwong Yip Director Policy21 Hong Kong
Hang Ting Lee Research Manager MVA Hong Kong Limited Hong Kong
Heisawn Jeong Associate Professor Hallym University South Korea
Hiroki Fukahori Associate Professor Tokyo Medical and Dental Japan
University
Stanislav Bondjakov Research Director Consumer Visions Australia
Preslav Bondjakov Director Consumer Visions Australia
17

18. Attendee List
FIRST NAME LAST NAME JOB TITLE ORGANISATION COUNTRY
Joseph Kakeeto Research Officer Parliament of the Republic Uganda
of Uganda
Joyce Leung Research Executive MVA Hong Kong Limited Hong Kong
Lee-Luan Ng Lecturer University of Malaya Malaysia
Minh Huen Ho Manager, Client Service The Nielsen Company Vietnam
Qualitative
Nicole Lee Ping Chen PhD Candidate University of Malaya Malaysia
Rusyaizila Ramli Ramli PhD Candidate Universiti Sains Malaysia Malaysia
Sherry Chang Leader, Web Mining ERS e-Research Lab Macau
Siti Rokiah Siwok Lecturer Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Malaysia
Suria Baba Deputy Director, University of Malaya Malaysia
Institute of Principalship
Studies
Tomofumi Oka Professor Sophia University Japan
Tony Fetherston Team Leader, Academic Edith Cowan University Australia
Development
Wu Mei Associate Professor, University of Macau Macau
Faculty of Social
Sciences and
Humanities
Yan Ni Annie Cheng Nvivo Trainer The Hong Kong Institute of Hong Kong
Education, Hong Kong
Zhang Qiao Wen PhD Candidate Calistro Consultants Malaysia
18

19. Upcoming Events
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cutting-edge qualitative research
6-8 April 2011, Malta
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Qualitative Research for Policy Making 2011: 2nd Annual
Discussing key issues concerning the use of QDA software
for accelerating research analysis
26-27 May 2011, Belfast, U.K.
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19-20 July 2011, Atlanta, U.S.A.
http://www.merlien.org/upcoming-events/mobileresearch.html
Merlien Institute is an independent organisation dedicated to providing
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