What causes what? Using causal mapping to analyse qualitative data at scale
A persistent challenge in qualitative research is synthesis. When you are working with large volumes of text (interviews, field reports, narrative accounts) across multiple countries and time periods, how do you move systematically from individual accounts to broader patterns? And how do you do so without flattening the complexity that makes qualitative data valuable in the first place?
This piece describes how causal mapping, combined with an AI-assisted coding workflow, helped address that challenge in a large, multi-country research and evaluation project and what researchers working with similarly complex qualitative datasets might take from the experience.
Publish Your Dataset on the Sage Research Methods Digital Platform
The editorial team for Sage Research Methods, Sage’s award-winning digital platform, invites proposals for its Datasets format. The successful submissions will be featured in the upcoming Inclusive Research Methodologies collection, launching in 2026.
Statistical Research Methods: Providing Researchers with the Confidence to Understand Data
Dr James Abdey discusses the importance of statistical literacy and applications of methodologies to assist researchers in understanding their data and presenting their results clearly, objectively, and with confidence.
Recent Advances in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling: Disclosing Necessary Conditions
Learn about options available in the dynamic landscape of emerging methodological extensions in the PLS-SEM field is the necessary condition analysis (NCA).
What do researchers need to know about using datasets?
Want to learn more about research with datasets? This curated collection of open-access articles can help you understand defining characteristics, and develop data literacy skills needed to work with large datasets and machine learning tools for managing Big Data sources.
Social Statistics for a Culturally Diverse Society: Interview with the Authors
An interview with authors of Social Statistics for a Diverse Society, who discuss how to use statistical techniques to understand pressing social issues.
Analyze Big Data
Want to learn about Big Data analysis? Here are some open-access examples.
Thick Big Data: Mixed Methods for Our Time
Dr. Dariusz Jemielniak discusses the importance of mixed methods in Big Data research.
2019 Hits: Big Data and Society
As 2019 draws to a close, we're highlighting relevant open access articles that attracted readers' attentions this year. Learn what interested Big Data & Society readers.
Creative Approaches with Big Data
Quantitative researchers, including those who work with Big Data, think creatively. This collection of open access articles might give you some food for thought about your own research.
Starter Tips on Sharing Data and Analysis Scripts
Researchers are increasingly encouraged to make their data openly accessible and usable for others but to early-career researchers in particular, this can seem daunting. Katherine Wood has compiled a short open data starter guide to make the process less overwhelming and help researchers do their bit for reproducibility.