It is not uncommon for qualitative researchers to spend the first phase of analysis hand-coding, text coding, or spreadsheet coding before turning to qualitative data analysis (QDA) software. Modern software packages offer efficient ways to organize and code data electronically, and to visualize the patterns in codes and categories. Of course, no software package takes the place of immersion in the data and the intensive effortful work needed to illuminate the essence of the phenomenon as your participants describe it.
In this week’s Assignment, you will research QDA software and compare what you have experienced using Excel or Word to what the software offers.
Search the Internet to find examples of QDA software. These can include free versions as well as proprietary purchased applications. Note that some applications indicate they are a good fit for certain qualitative approaches.
Choose two examples of QDA software to investigate. Go to their respective websites and explore the FAQs, demos, customer feedback, and other resources that inform you about their capabilities and limitations.
