Janet Michel

Workshops

Standard

• Starter Workshop

Methodological Expertise

• Thematic Analysis
• Relational Analysis
• Framework Analysis

Consulting Services

• Consulting for groups or individuals

Experience

I have been using MAXQDA since 2018 for several projects, including my PhD in epidemiology. As an independent trainer, I am happy to share my research methods with MAXQDA researchers around the world who are still unsure about how to integrate MAXQDA into their research.

PhD is a lonely journey, and my personal journey started when I moved from South Africa to Europe. My first lecture was biostatistics, and the professor gave us an assignment and said, "Do this in STATA and submit it tomorrow." I had never heard of STATA, and the other students looked at me in dismay, as if to say, "Where are you from and what are you doing here?" One rolled his eyes and whispered. No one offered to show me how it worked, and those I asked for help didn't have time. The embarrassment was indescribable. I then signed up for a STATA class with a professor who took us step by step, and by the end of the week, I too could use STATA. I had a person in front of me to ask questions. I had been given the impression that STATA was something complicated that people like me couldn't do. It turned out that in reality, it wasn't that complicated, thanks to the professor who took his time and showed us step by step.

That's why I want to be your MAXQDA trainer, the person in front of you who shows you step-by-step how to use the software. Not only does the software save you time, but it is versatile and offers endless possibilities, from team analysis to visualizations, reports, summaries, and mixed methods features. I spent sleepless nights, sometimes crying when I was asked to evaluate my interviews using MAXQDA. Again, I couldn't find anyone to introduce me to the software. It took another MAXQDA trainer to initiate me and guide me step by step, and that was in 2018. I have since used MAXQDA for health systems and policy research, epidemiological research, immunization, and digital, and telemedicine projects. My journey has taught me that no matter how digital the world becomes, we still need the person we can ask questions to, the person who can say, "Click here," and we say, "Aah aah!"