QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: CHOOSING AN APPROPRIATE COMPUTER SOFTWARE PROGRAM FOR DATA ANALYSIS IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Abstract

Data in qualitative research are different from data in quantitative research. Normally the data in qualitative research include transcripts that are transcribed from a tape recording made from an in-depth interview, records based on observation or participation by the researcher, a record of a review of documents, artifacts, archives or an audiovisual presentation. The researcher collects and analyzes the data in parallel until the data are saturated. A qualitative content analysis is applied according to certain steps and procedures of content analysis. In the past, a content analysis was usually performed manually and it was a time-consuming process. There are now, however, several computer software programs available for use in content analysis of qualitative data. Each Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) program has different strengths and weaknesses in terms of its features, simplicity and user friendliness. It is very important to note that the program does not do the analysis of the data for the researcher, as in the case of software programs utilized in quantitative research. It is only a computer-assisted program that helps the researcher to be able to do the analysis faster and more accurately. It helps the researcher to reduce the time-consuming process and increases the quality of the data analysis, as normally the amount of data in any qualitative research project is large and difficult to manage effectively. This paper aims to provide essential information about various CAQDAS programs available at present in order that the researcher is able to choose a CAQDAS program that is suitable and appropriate to his/her qualitative research project and qualitative research strategy and to the methodology applied in the project.