Activity #

For this in-class activity, you will form into pairs and analyze qualitative data using affinity diagrams. Below are the steps you will need to follow and the data you will use.

Steps #

You will analyze the responses presented in the Data section below using an affinity diagramming approach. Use the following steps for coding, grouping, and clarifying:

Coding (10 minutes) #

1. Read through the first 30 responses (P1-30). For each response, write down a code (short phrase 1-3 words) that summarizes its key idea (e.g., P1 - likes the weather). You may split up the responses between each other.

From Interaction Design Foundation:

Grouping (15 minutes) #

1. Take some physical Post-it notes from the front of the room or create a new board on Miro or Lucid.
2. Write each code on a separate Post-it note.
3. Put them up on a wall or (digital) whiteboard or lay them across a table.
4. Choose a Post-it at random and make it the first Post-it of a first group.
5. Take another Post-it and ask, “Is this similar to the first one or is it different?” Place it in the first group if it’s similar or in its own group if it’s not. It can be similar in any way that makes sense to you. However, this is best where you have a team and can ask others if they agree or disagree.
6. Continue Post-it by Post-it as you place similar ideas together and create new groups. Note: it’s OK to have lone Post-its at this stage—pieces of data that don’t fit into any clusters can sit on their own in other words. Feel free to change your groupings at any point in this exercise. That’s why you’re using Post-its!

Clarifying (10 minutes) #

1. You should now have some groups of related data, and so it’s time to talk about each one of the clusters in more detail. Discuss the rest of the steps in the process with your partner and complete them together one by one.
2. Discuss any controversial pieces of clusters and pieces of data in each cluster and reorganize them into different clusters if appropriate.
3. When you are both satisfied with the groupings, give the group a name that captures the meaning of the group of Post-its it represents.
4. Use lines to connect related groups, and combine clusters to create super groups if necessary.

Remaining Responses (10 minutes) #

1. For the remaining respones (P31-50), attempt to assign each to one of the groupings you have already identified.
2. For any that do not fit within an existing grouping, create new groups.
3. Draw connections for new groups and combine with super groups if necessary.

Present Results (15 minutes) #

Each pair will share what were the names of your groupings, what was the largest grouping, what was the smallest, what were points of disagreement, and what is something you learned in the process.

Data #

Responses to the question, “Why did you go to LSU?” generated by ChatGPT:

Participant	Response
P1	The pleasant Southern climate in Baton Rouge was a welcome change from my hometown’s weather and added to the appeal of attending LSU.
P2	LSU’s various leadership programs and opportunities allowed me to develop and strengthen my leadership skills while pursuing my education.
P3	Baton Rouge’s reputation for safety compared to other cities was a consideration in my decision.
P4	The commitment to academic excellence and rigorous coursework at LSU appealed to my passion for intellectual growth.
P5	The university’s career services and internship programs were exceptional and provided a clear path to job opportunities and career development.
P6	Baton Rouge’s thriving arts and cultural scene, including theaters, museums, and music venues, offered me a vibrant atmosphere to explore my passion for the arts.
P7	LSU’s generous scholarship offerings provided me with extra incentives to choose the university.
P8	The strong alumni network and connections available at LSU provided a sense of security and opportunity for my future career.
P9	The numerous outreach and community development programs at LSU allowed me to be a part of meaningful projects and contribute positively to Louisiana’s growth.
P10	The university’s well-lit campus, emergency response systems, and campus police made me feel confident in my choice to attend LSU.
P11	LSU’s strong emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities allowed me to delve deeper into my field of study and gain invaluable experience.
P12	The vast array of academic programs and majors offered at LSU ensured I could pursue a well-rounded education with diverse courses.
P13	LSU’s athletic programs were a perfect fit for my interests and allowed me to remain connected to my love for sports.
P14	LSU’s renowned faculty members and their research achievements were a big draw, offering me the opportunity to learn from experts in the field.
P15	LSU’s strong emphasis on creativity and the arts in its curriculum allowed me to explore my passion for the performing arts and pursue it alongside my major.
P16	LSU’s strong emphasis on community service and volunteer opportunities aligned with my values and allowed me to contribute positively to the community.
P17	LSU’s research partnerships with local industries and companies gave me access to real-world experiences and the potential for future employment.
P18	LSU’s campus life is vibrant and diverse, with numerous clubs and organizations that catered to my personal interests and passions.
P19	The chance to become involved in student government and other leadership roles at LSU was an appealing prospect for my personal growth.
P20	I chose LSU for its strong academic reputation, particularly in my chosen field of study, as it aligned perfectly with my career goals.
P21	The cultural diversity on LSU’s campus provided a unique opportunity to immerse myself in various art forms and engage in multicultural experiences.
P22	The service-learning programs at LSU provided me with practical experiences that complemented my classroom education and prepared me for a career in community development.
P23	The incredible energy and passion of LSU’s sporting events, especially the legendary football games in Death Valley, was an experience I couldn’t miss.
P24	My family’s history of attending LSU and the tradition it represented played a significant role in my decision to continue the legacy.
P25	LSU’s commitment to academic support and tutoring services ensured that I would have the resources needed to excel in my studies.
P26	The international student body and LSU’s global engagement initiatives allowed me to interact with individuals from around the world and develop a global mindset.
P27	The opportunity to study Louisiana’s rich history, culture, and unique ecosystem in-depth was a unique aspect that set LSU apart from other universities.
P28	As a lifelong LSU fan, the chance to be part of the passionate Tiger fan base and support the team was a dream come true for me.
P29	Baton Rouge’s lower cost of living compared to major cities made LSU a cost-effective choice for my education.
P30	LSU’s location in Baton Rouge, a hub for various industries, presented a wealth of internship and job opportunities that I couldn’t find elsewhere.
P31	Baton Rouge and LSU’s commitment to student safety and security measures were important factors in my decision, ensuring a secure environment for my education.
P32	LSU’s deep-rooted connection to Louisiana’s history and culture, as well as its commitment to serving the state, resonated with my desire to give back to my community.
P33	LSU’s distinctive academic programs, such as the Coastal Environmental Science program, aligned perfectly with my specific career goals and interests.
P34	Meeting an inspiring LSU alum during a campus visit was a pivotal moment that convinced me LSU was the place where I wanted to study and grow.
P35	LSU’s commitment to global education and study abroad programs aligned with my desire to gain a broader, global perspective.
P36	The sense of community at LSU was extraordinary, making me feel at home from day one and fostering lasting friendships.
P37	The rich cultural diversity of Baton Rouge and the fusion of Creole, Cajun, and Southern influences in the city’s cuisine intrigued me.
P38	The small class sizes and individualized attention from professors at LSU were essential for my learning style and academic success.
P39	I chose LSU because I had a deep, unexplainable feeling that this was where I was meant to be, and that intuition guided me to an incredible college experience.
P40	LSU’s emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and internships set it apart from other universities and was crucial for my career aspirations.
P41	LSU’s efforts to promote inclusivity and cultural appreciation made me confident that I would have a welcoming and open-minded environment to thrive in.
P42	LSU’s dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives was in line with my passion for environmental conservation.
P43	LSU’s emphasis on artistic expression allowed me to combine my academic pursuits with my love for creative expression.
P44	The diverse student body at LSU offered a multicultural experience that was important to me. I wanted to interact with people from various backgrounds and learn about different cultures.
P45	LSU offered competitive financial aid packages, which eased the financial burden of attending a top-tier university.
P46	LSU’s focus on fostering leadership qualities in its students provided me with the tools I needed to excel in my future career.
P47	Baton Rouge’s diverse international cuisine options mirrored the multicultural atmosphere at LSU, creating a unique global experience.
P48	The unique culture and vibrant atmosphere of Baton Rouge, where LSU is located, drew me in, offering a rich backdrop for my college experience.
P49	LSU’s strong reputation in my field of interest was a crucial factor in my decision to attend. I knew that graduating from LSU would open doors for my career.
P50	The opportunity to explore the unique ecosystems and outdoor activities in Louisiana, such as bayous and swamps, fascinated me.