Welcome to Dedoose, your comprehensive platform for qualitative and mixed methods research! Whether you're a seasoned researcher or new to qualitative analysis, this guide will help you navigate your first steps with Dedoose and set your project up for success. Before diving into your project, familiarize yourself with these key resources to ensure you get the most out of Dedoose.

‍

The Learning Center

Your first stop should be the Learning Center, a comprehensive knowledge base with tutorials, videos, and guides. Here you'll find:

• Video overviews of the customizable Dedoose interface and other settings

• Definitions of terminology and data preparation tips

• How to pay for your subscription or establish a group account

• Step-by-step instructions for common data analysis workflows  

• Breakdowns of advanced features and functions

• Submit a support ticket to our support team

The Learning Center is designed to answer your questions at every stage of your research journey, from initial setup to final analysis.

‍

The Dedoose Textbook

For deeper methodological guidance, the Dedoose Textbook is an invaluable resource. The textbook covers:

• Theoretical foundations of qualitative and mixed methods research

• Detailed explanations of Dedoose's analytical tools

• Explanation of advanced tools in the context of research methods

• Real-life strategies and examples from researchers who use Dedoose

The textbook serves as both a reference and a learning tool, helping you understand not just how to use Dedoose, but why certain approaches work best for different research questions and methodologies.

‍

Dedoose Resource Emails and Newsletters

Rather than overwhelming you with information upfront, the email series you receive upon creating your account delivers practical advice when you're most likely to need it, making them an invaluable companion throughout your research project.  

Be sure to review Dedoose Support emails and subscribe to the newsletter for:

• Timely tips that align with your analysis journey

• Step-by-step guides for advanced techniques

• Important platform updates and maintenance notices

• Special offers for additional training opportunities

These communications are thoughtfully timed to provide relevant guidance as you progress through your analysis.  

Dedoose 101: Beginning Your Analysis

We highly recommend enrolling in Dedoose 101: Beginning Your Analysis, the Institute for Mixed Methods Research’s foundational course for Dedoose users. This course covers:

• Creating your first project and importing data

• Data preparation guidelines for various analytical techniques

• Developing an effective coding system

• Codebook management and team communication

• Implementing Descriptors (i.e., categorical, demographic, and quantitative data) into your project

• Visualizing your analysis  

This structured learning path condenses years of methodological expertise into a manageable format, helping you avoid common pitfalls while establishing sound research practices. The course is designed and delivered by scholars who have decades of experience using digital tools such as Dedoose for data analysis.  

‍

Live Webinars and Upcoming Events

Don't miss our regular webinars and special events. Sessions are conducted by PhDs, including Dedoose’s founder Dr. Eli Lieber. These sessions offer:

• Live demonstrations of common workflows (e.g., Getting Started webinar)

• Deep dives into methodological approaches or advanced features (Topical webinars)

• Updates on new platform capabilities

• Q&A opportunities with a Dedoose expert

Check our events calendar regularly to register for upcoming sessions. These webinars are particularly valuable for new users, as they provide insights beyond what's covered in documentation and allow you to ask specific questions about your unique research needs. The facilitator's extensive academic background ensures discussions are grounded in qualitative methods while remaining accessible to researchers at all levels.

Starting a new research project in Dedoose involves more than just technical setup. Here's how to think strategically about your project:

1. Define Your Research Questions

Before importing any data, clearly articulate your research questions. These will guide your coding structure and analysis strategy. Ask yourself:

• What specific questions am I trying to answer?

• What type of data will best address these questions?

• What level of detail do I need in my analysis?

• Is there a theoretical or conceptual framework guiding my analysis?

2. Organize Your Data

Before importing your data, organize your materials:

• Standardize file names for easy identification

• Remove any sensitive or identifying information

• Review the Data Preparation guide in the Learning Center

• Reflect on what descriptor data (demographics, categorical or continuous variables, etc.) may be helpful for your project

3. Plan Your Coding Strategy

Effective coding is the foundation of good qualitative analysis:

• Outline your coding strategy and how it connects to your method (e.g., deductive vs inductive coding, open coding, etc.)

• Consider starting with broad code categories then adding subcodes

• Review different coding techniques within Dedoose and your approach to excerpt length  

4. Establish Team Protocols (for Collaborative Projects)

If working with others:

• Review best practices for team-based coding

• Set up clear roles and responsibilities (e.g., a codebook manager)

• Schedule regular meetings to discuss your analysis and your process

• Establish processes for handling disagreements

Perhaps the most important mindset for successful qualitative analysis is embracing iteration. Your first coding scheme will evolve, your understanding will deepen, and Dedoose is designed to support this dynamic process.

The platform's flexibility allows you to refine your approach as your analysis gets more complex, ensuring your analysis remains aligned with your research goals while also accommodating unexpected findings. By leveraging these resources and approaching your project thoughtfully, you're setting yourself up for a rewarding research experience.  

Welcome to the Dedoose community! From myself and our whole team at Dedoose, thank you for investing time in the power and importance of qualitative research.  

Sincerely,  

Dr. Sara Grummert and the Dedoose Team