Computer Aided Qualitative Data Analysis

Methodological and theoretical issues involved in using computers in qualitative research are examined in this guide. Strategies for computer-assisted qualitative analysis include the discussion of networks of categories; the means of evaluation; and ways of combining analysis techniques.

Using Software in Qualitative Research is an essential introduction to the practice and principles of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS), helping the reader choose the most appropriate package for their needs and to get the most out of the software once they are using it. This step-by-step book considers a wide range of tasks and processes, bringing them together to demystify qualitative software and encourage flexible and critical choices and uses of software in supporting analysis. The book can be read as a whole or by chapters, building on one another to provide a holistic sense of the analytic journey without advocating a particular sequential process. Accessible and comprehensive, Using Software in Qualitative Research provides a practical but analytically-grounded guide to thinking about and using software and will be an essential companion for any qualitative researcher.

Are you struggling to get to grips with qualitative data analysis? Do you need help getting started using ATLAS.ti? Do you find software manuals difficult to relate to? Written by a leading expert on ATLAS.ti, this book will guide you step-by-step through using the software to support your research project. In this updated second edition, you will find clear, practical advice on preparing your data, setting up a new project in ATLAS.ti, developing a coding system, asking questions, finding answers and preparing your results. The new edition features: methodological as well as technical advice numerous practical exercises and examples screenshots showing you each stage of analysis in version 7 of ATLAS.ti increased coverage of transcription new sections on analysing video and multimedia data a companion website with online tutorials and data sets. Susanne Friese teaches qualitative methods at the University of Hanover and at various PhD schools, provides training and consultancy for ATLAS.ti at the intersection between developers and users.

This work is intended for researchers, academics and students across the social sciences.

For those interested in finding a computer application well-suited for their own qualitative research or just learning more about the capabilities of the latest generation of computer software designed with text, Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis by Eben A. Weitzman and Matthew B. Miles probably represents the single investment they can make. . . . In Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis, Weitzman and Miles . . . provide a critical, in-depth look at 24 separate applications. The authors make an impressive team: Weitzman is a professor of social and organizational psychology with an extensive computer background, and Miles is a social psychologist who is well-known in the field of qualitative research for co-authoring a popular book on qualitative data analysis with A. Michael Huberman. Together, the two researchers have produced an informative, user-friendly sourcebook that can save readers a significant amount of time and money when shopping for a software program for qualitative data analysis. Weitzman and Miles clearly put a tremendous amount of work into Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis; they write their reviews of each application in remarkably lucid and jargon-free language in a format reminiscent of Consumer Reports. The level of detail in the reviews reflects their careful and thoughtful field-testing of 24 software programs. Reviews average about 10 pages each and actually show you what each application can do, and every review includes a series of realistic visuals (complete with helpful captions) that display what the computer screen looks like when performing various functions with that specific computer program. In addition to describing the special features of each computer program, Weitzman and Miles discuss the strengths and weaknesses of every application and make explicit comparisons with other applications in the same ′family.′ "Sage Publications deserves special credit for their role in publishing Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis. Instead of issuing this book in hardcover and attaching a hefty price tag, they released it as an oversized (81/2-by-11-inch) paperback and made this valuable information available at a modest cost. Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis is the most comprehensive resource on its subject currently available, and is an excellent starting point for qualitative researchers interested in integrating computer technology more fully into their own data analysis strategies." --Harvard Educational Review "The book by Weitzman & Miles is one of many new books on computers and qualitative software and indeed a good one. . . . The book is truly a user′s book--one of the useful ones. . . . After this first feeling of self-confidence, I just kept on reading the book and found very thorough and illuminative reviews of no less that 24 computer programs for qualitative analysis. . . . Renata Tesch initiated the work of making it easier for us to survey the qualitative analysis methods--Weitzman & Miles carry on in the finest way." --Nyhedsbrer "Although the authors have a background in social and organizational psychology, their expertise on qualitative research methods is relevant to gerontologists. . . . The authors give a history of the use of computers in qualitative data analysis, describe the different types of programs, and suggest future directions, but the bulk of this book is reviews of the software out there. . . . Before you spend several hundred dollars on a software program, spend thirty and get this book." --T. L. Brink in Clinical Gerontologist "Eben A. Weitzman and Matthew B. Miles′s valuable sourcebook on computer programs is designed exclusively for those interested in qualitative data analysis. . . . For qualitative researchers who want to learn or update their knowledge of the use of computer software." --Choice "What program do I use to analyze my field notes? Eben A. Weitzman and Matthew B. Miles provide the information you need to make that decision intelligently: full descriptions, informed judgments, and helpful comparisons. Anyone who does fieldwork needs this book." --Howard Becker, Department of Sociology, University of Washington, Seattle "This will be the standard work of reference for several years to come. We owe the authors a considerable debt of gratitude for all the work they have put into reviewing such a comprehensive range of software. The result is incredibly lucid." --Paul Atkinson, University of Wales, Cardiff "The book is absolutely perfect for my situation. I don′t know how many readers will be in the position of purchasing software for respective labs, but those who are will be in for a real treat. The comprehensiveness of the reviews is more than adequate to determine whether a particular program meets the needs of an individual or group. . . . It is the most comprehensive book of its kind, for any kind of software, that I have ever seen." --Steven E. Wolfel, Research Publishing Consultant "Making decisions about choosing software for qualitative data analysis can be intimidating and I think this book will be an excellent resource for those of us who are involved in this type of research. I found this to be an extremely well-thought-out and informative resource book. The detail is wonderful." --Kathleen R. Gilbert, Indiana University, Bloomington Do you want to start, extend, or update your use of computer software for qualitative data analysis? If so, this clear and user-friendly guidebook is for you. Without assuming its reader has extensive computer experience, Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis takes a critical yet practical look at the wide range of software currently available. It gives detailed reviews of 24 programs in five major categories (text retrievers, textbase managers, code-and-retrieve programs, code-based theory-builders, and conceptual network-builders) and gives ratings of more than 75 features per program. The authors also provide detailed guidance in operating each program. They help you to ask key questions about your computer use--the nature of your project, time line, analyses planned, and the worksheets required--to help you identify the programs best suited to your needs. Up-to-date and practical, Computer Programs for Qualitative Data Analysis is an absolute must-have book for any qualitative researcher who uses--or wants to use--computer programs in analyses.

As qualitative researchers incorporate computer assistance into their analytic approaches, important questions arise about the adoption of new technology. Is it worth learning computer-assisted methods? Will the pay-off be sufficient to justify the investment? Which programs are worth learning? What are the effects on the analysis process? This book complements the existing literature by giving a detailed account of the use of four major programs in analyzing the same data. The author emphasizes qualitative analysis as a creative craft, but one which must increasingly be subject to rigorous methodological scrutiny. The adoption of computer-aided methods offers opportunities, but also dangers, and ultimately this book is about the scientific quality of qualitative research. Written in a distinctive and succinct style, this book will be valuable to social science researchers and students interested in qualitative research and in the potential for computer-assisted analysis.

The Second Edition of Johnny Saldaña's international bestseller provides an in-depth guide to the multiple approaches available for coding qualitative data. Fully up to date, it includes new chapters, more coding techniques and an additional glossary. Clear, practical and authoritative, the book: -describes how coding initiates qualitative data analysis -demonstrates the writing of analytic memos -discusses available analytic software -suggests how best to use The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers for particular studies. In total, 32 coding methods are profiled that can be applied to a range of research genres from grounded theory to phenomenology to narrative inquiry. For each approach, Saldaña discusses the method's origins, a description of the method, practical applications, and a clearly illustrated example with analytic follow-up. A unique and invaluable reference for students, teachers, and practitioners of qualitative inquiry, this book is essential reading across the social sciences.

Lecturers/instructors only - request a free digital inspection copy here This straightforward, jargon-free book provides an invaluable introduction to planning and conducting qualitative data analysis with NVivo. Written by leading authorities, with over 40 years combined experience in computer-assisted analysis of qualitative and mixed-mode data, the new edition of this best selling textbook is an ideal mix of practical instruction, methodology and real world examples. Practical, clear and focused the book effectively shows how NVivo software can accommodate and assist analysis across a wide range of research questions, data types, perspectives and methodologies. It sets out: The power and flexibility of the NVivo software How best to use NVivo at each stage in your research project Examples from the authors′ own research and the sample data that accompanies the software, supplemented with vignettes drawn from across the social sciences Annotated screen shots A website with links to data, sample projects, supplementary/updated instructions, and SAGE journal content This second edition contains new chapters on handling a literature review, visualizing data, working in mixed methods and social media datasets, and approaching NVivo as a team. An insightful step-by-step guide to the messy reality of doing computer-assisted analysis, this successful book is essential reading for anyone considering using NVivo software.