The Julie C. Laible Qualitative Research Lab
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| Dr. Julie Catherine Laible (1966-1999) was an assistant professor of educational leadership and policy studies at The University of Alabama from 1995-1999. During this brief period, her work was dedicated to promoting anti-racist individual and institutional practices. This was a commitment she enacted in her personal life, her community life (especially her church), and her scholarship. Her example inspired many who knew her to share this commitment to anti-racism, to social justice, and to leading a morally engaged life. |
The College of Education's Qualitative Research Lab (Qual Lab) provides faculty and graduate students with access to the latest qualitative data analysis equipment and software such as various kinds of tape transcribers, voice recognition software, QSRN6 qualitative data coding software, audio and video tape dubbing equipment, super VHS video cameras, video monitors, ATLAS video coding software, video documentary editing software, and a library of qualitative data analysis reference texts.
Portrait of the Qual Lab
Picture a room with students sitting at transcription machines, wearing
headphones, transcribing interviews conducted earlier that week. Others
sit at video monitors analyzing a moment of tape. Others are scouring
journals, references texts, sample dissertations, and bibliographies
for new ideas and models. Still other spread paper out on the table
and floor next to the computer where they are coding their field notes.
A graduate student working as a TA helps a student learn video editing
on the computer. The very existence of this lab testifies to the COE's
expectation and support of precise data collection and thorough analysis
when conducting qualitative research. In addition to supporting individual
work, the creation of this kind of graduate student commons stimulates
conversations and camaraderie. Students from different programs meet
and share ideas. Problems are discussed; suggestions are made. Pizzas
are ordered. Qualitative research is intensely human work, and students
doing it need to talk about it. The lab provides a place for students
to debrief emotional strains and ethical dilemmas, as well as conceptual
challenges, that come with doing qualitative research.
Location:
307 Carmichael Hall
For Assistance Contact:
205-348-0931