Qualitative/Ethnographic Methods & Analysis Core

The Qualitative/Ethnographic Methods & Analysis Core (QMAC) provides an experienced staff and resources to assist researchers in all aspects of qualitative/ethnographic research, including research design, training, implementation, data management, collection, and analysis. QMAC staff can also assist in establishing reliability and validity procedures, writing data reports, and integrating qualitative and quantitative methods and analyses.

The QMAC works with both small single-site and large multi-site projects to provide individualized support and services. Standard services are provided without cost with the expectation that projects will purchase specialized services when funded. Standard and specialized services are listed below.

Debra Skinner, the QMAC director, has specialized in qualitative/ethnographic research for longitudinal and mixed methods projects for the past 25 years. She will meet personally with researchers to assess project needs and tailor specific services.

Contact Information
Debra Skinner, Ph.D.
Director, Qualitative/Ethnographic Methods and Analysis Core (QMAC)
919.966.4571
debra.skinner@unc.edu

  • Initial consultation regarding methods, data management, and/or analysis
  • Assistance with study design and description of qualitative methods and data analysis for grant proposals
  • Budgeting for data management and analysis for all projects using QMAC staff and facilities
  • Resource library on qualitative/mixed methods and analysis
  • Professional Data Management
    • Centralized management of qualitative research data
    • Quality assurance practices in data processing and analysis
    • Development of research collection and management protocols
    • Secure electronic data transfer and storage
    • Development of data collection and procedures manuals
  • Data Collection
    • Qualitative interview and participant observation protocol design
    • Trained RAs to conduct interviews, participant observation and a range of other qualitative methods
  • Data Analysis
    • High-quality transcriptions of interviews and other speech data
    • Software programs and facilities for coding and other types of analysis
    • Personnel to do data coding and other analyses
  • Training
    • Research ethics and ethical ways of conducting research with diverse groups
    • Procedures to increase validity, reliability, and consistency of data collection and analysis
    • An array of qualitative research methods
    • Coding and other analysis techniques
    • Computer software programs for data coding and analysis
    • Hands-on training for UNC graduate students and post-doctoral fellows working on specific projects
    • Seminars, workshops, and summer intensive training on a range of qualitative/mixed methods and analyses
  • Resources
    • Workstations with computers and software for qualitative data coding and analysis
    • Electronic and hard copy library on qualitative/mixed methods and analysis, including exemplar models of qualitative articles and best practices