Qualitative data
Qualitative data are typically produced using qualitative research methods and often come in an unstructured form. Common qualitative data found in social science data archives include interviews, focus groups, and other textual materials, as well as photographs and videos.
At the Social Science Data Archives (ADP), we provide professional support and educational materials to assist in managing qualitative data that should be archived and published with ADP.
Handbook for Managing Qualitative Data for Archiving and Publishing in ADP
The handbook compiles answers to frequently asked questions about managing qualitative data for archiving and publishing purposes within ADP. Its goal is to introduce the Slovenian research community to best practices in research data archiving, following standards established in environments with a well-developed tradition of data preservation.
The handbook is intended for researchers at various career stages who are interested in publishing qualitative data with ADP, as well as for co-workers who assist them in the research data lifecycle. It includes an Excel file with templates for documenting different data types: interviews, focus groups, archival materials, and photographs.
The author welcomes feedback on the handbook from its users and will incorporate this input into the next edition of the Handbook for Managing Qualitative Data in ADP.
Link to the handbook (only in Slovenian)
Templates in Excel: Excel Sheets
Guide to anonymisation in qualitative research – Text data
Based on extensive practical experience, the Social Science Data Archives (ADP) has developed a guideline to support researchers in anonymising qualitative data – especially data obtained through interviews or focus groups.
The guide highlights common challenges encountered in anonymisation procedures and provides practical guidance on how to overcome them effectively. The publication helps to promote best practise in the ethical use and sharing of qualitative data.
Link to the Guide in Slovenian:
BEZJAK, Sonja, MASTEN, Sergeja, VIPAVC BRVAR, Irena. 2025. Vodič za anonimizacijo v kvalitativnem raziskovanju: besedilni podatki. Faculty of Social Sciences.
Guide to Preparing Transcripts in the Social Sciences
This short guide outlines key aspects of transcribing textual data from audio recordings in the context of social science research.
It focuses on important issues such as transcription accuracy, text formatting, and the inclusion of transcript metadata, all of which contribute to greater consistency and quality in the transcription process.
The guide is intended for researchers working with interviews, focus groups, or other forms of qualitative data.
Link to the Guide in Slovenian:
MASTEN, Sergeja. 2018. Vodič za pripravo transkripcij v družboslovju. Arhiv družboslovnih podatkov. Blog ADP.
