From Qualitative Data to Quantified Connections – An Introduction to Epistemic Network Analysis
In Person
How do we make sense of patterns in conversation, argumentation, or interviews? Epistemic Network Analysis (ENA) is a powerful tool that helps researchers model the connections between ideas and concepts in qualitative data, whether drawn from interviews, classroom transcripts, online forums, or interdisciplinary dialogue. This workshop introduces ENA as a method for uncovering structure in discourse, making it an ideal companion to topic modelling, qualitative coding, or social network analysis.
This session guides participants through the full ENA workflow: from theory and rationale to practical steps in data segmentation, coding qualitative data, and visualising networks using the ENA Web Tool. By the end, participants will know how to identify co-occurring concepts and interpret epistemic networks to explore meaning-making in their own datasets.
This course will be taught by Barbara Dzieciatko-Szendrei.
After taking part in this event, you may decide that you need some further help in applying what you have learnt to your research. If so, you can book a Data Surgery meeting with one of our training fellows.
More details about Data Surgeries.
Those who have registered to take part will receive an email with full details on how to get ready for this course.
If you’re new to this training event format, or to CDCS training events in general, read more on what to expect from CDCS training. Here you will also find details of our cancellation and no-show policy, which applies to this event.
Level
This is a beginner-friendly course. No previous knowledge on the topic is required/expected, and the trainer will cover the basics of the method.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the theoretical foundations of Epistemic Network Analysis (ENA) and its role in analysing discourse and meaning-making.
- Apply the ENA workflow: segmenting qualitative data, coding co-occurring concepts, and constructing epistemic networks.
- Interpret and visualise ENA models to uncover patterns of connections between ideas in qualitative datasets.
Skills
By attending this course, you will familiarise yourself with the following skills
- Data segmentation and qualitative coding for network-based analysis.
- Use of the ENA Web Tool to build, visualise, and analyse epistemic networks.
Interpretation of epistemic network graphs to explore relationships among concepts in interviews, classroom transcripts, or digital forums.
Explore More Training
- Network Analysis from Scratch: Intro to Gephi
- Digital Method of the Month: Network Analysis
- Foundations of Sentiment Analysis. Silent Disco
Return to the Training Homepage to see other available events
Room 4.35, Edinburgh Futures Institute
This room is on Level 4, in the North East side of the building.
When you enter via the level 2 East entrance on Middle Meadow Walk, the room will be on the 4th floor straight ahead.
When you enter via the level 2 North entrance on Lauriston Place underneath the clock tower, the room will be on the 4th floor to your left.
When you enter via the level 0 South entrance on Porters Walk (opposite Tribe Yoga), the room will be on the 4th floor to your right.
