Hi Diane,

As computer software has progressed, increasing numbers of qualitative researchers have turned to using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) packages. Thus, data analysis and subsidiary processes can be conducted while sitting at the computer with printouts of any section of the project file possible. Computer Assisted/Aided Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) are now an accepted tool for data analysis as they reduce the time involved in managing data and allow the researcher to spend more time immersed in the actual analysis. However, computer software cannot replace the human intuitive and reflective processes needed to analyse qualitative data, and there are some who caution that there is a danger that the ‘tool’ is replacing the thought processes that are essential to conceptualising and mapping in qualitative data analysis (Morse 2011). A wide range of CAQDAS packages are now available such as ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA and NVIVO10. Whole texts, such as those written by Silver and Lewins (2014), are devoted to using and applying such software. These software assist the organisation and management of qualitative research data through the storage of data in multiple recorded forms (including aural, visual, video and word forms) within a large capacity project file and sub-files where:

• labels for concepts interpreted from data can be recorded next to data
• linkages are recorded with relationships able to be created and displayed visually and flexibly
• hierarchies of conceptual ordering can be developed, diagrammed, recorded and re-formed; re-analyses are facilitated
• memos can be recorded and linked to data or analyses
• tables, pictures and images can be imported
• data security is maintained
• quantitative data analyses can be connected to qualitative data analyses (i.e. Mixed Methods)
• analyses by different people or different projects can be merged
• navigation around the project file and sub-files is relatively easy.

Although CAQDAS programs perform similar functions there are differences and some may be better suited to specific methodologies. For example, the ‘Ethnograph’ package was designed specifically for ethnographic analysis and assists in the management and analysis of text-based data such as transcripts of interviews, field notes and diaries. Sometimes the decision on which CAQDAS to use is purely pragmatic e.g. a particular program already being available or previous experience. There have been recent attempts to elaborate on such approaches i.e. de Casterlé et al’s (2012) Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven (QUAGOL) method.

A useful resource is the UK-based CAQDAS networking project which provides information, practical support and training in the use of a range of software programs designed to assist qualitative data analysis. The network provides platforms for debate concerning the methodological and epistemological issues arising from the use of qualitative software packages. The network also conducts research into methodological applications of CAQDAS under their research project Qualitative Innovations in CAQDAS.

Hi Diane,

As computer software has progressed, increasing numbers of qualitative researchers have turned to using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) packages. Thus, data analysis and subsidiary processes can be conducted while sitting at the computer with printouts of any section of the project file possible. Computer Assisted/Aided Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) are now an accepted tool for data analysis as they reduce the time involved in managing data and allow the researcher to spend more time immersed in the actual analysis. However, computer software cannot replace the human intuitive and reflective processes needed to analyse qualitative data, and there are some who caution that there is a danger that the ‘tool’ is replacing the thought processes that are essential to conceptualising and mapping in qualitative data analysis (Morse 2011). A wide range of CAQDAS packages are now available such as ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA and NVIVO10. Whole texts, such as those written by Silver and Lewins (2014), are devoted to using and applying such software. These software assist the organisation and management of qualitative research data through the storage of data in multiple recorded forms (including aural, visual, video and word forms) within a large capacity project file and sub-files where:

• labels for concepts interpreted from data can be recorded next to data
• linkages are recorded with relationships able to be created and displayed visually and flexibly
• hierarchies of conceptual ordering can be developed, diagrammed, recorded and re-formed; re-analyses are facilitated
• memos can be recorded and linked to data or analyses
• tables, pictures and images can be imported
• data security is maintained
• quantitative data analyses can be connected to qualitative data analyses (i.e. Mixed Methods)
• analyses by different people or different projects can be merged
• navigation around the project file and sub-files is relatively easy.

Although CAQDAS programs perform similar functions there are differences and some may be better suited to specific methodologies. For example, the ‘Ethnograph’ package was designed specifically for ethnographic analysis and assists in the management and analysis of text-based data such as transcripts of interviews, field notes and diaries. Sometimes the decision on which CAQDAS to use is purely pragmatic e.g. a particular program already being available or previous experience. There have been recent attempts to elaborate on such approaches i.e. de Casterlé et al’s (2012) Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven (QUAGOL) method.

A useful resource is the UK-based CAQDAS networking project which provides information, practical support and training in the use of a range of software programs designed to assist qualitative data analysis. The network provides platforms for debate concerning the methodological and epistemological issues arising from the use of qualitative software packages. The network also conducts research into methodological applications of CAQDAS under their research project Qualitative Innovations in CAQDAS.

I would just add one suggestion: considering you would like to conduct a thematic analysis of your raw data, it's pivotal to have solid, mutually exclusive themes to initiate your data categorisation.

The software will certainly speed up the categorising process but when we choose to use a thematic analysis, we need to really make sure that our categories are sound. A good way to ascertain this is to have an indipendent co-coder working in parallel with you. You can compare with him/her your work and learn much, much more from your data just thanks to another perspective. Hope this helps and good luck with your dissertation!

Hellow Madam!

Try to use CAQDAS ( ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA and NVIVO10 ), I tried it already and it was great to used.

Thank you for the information, Dean, Elisabeth, and Mark-Jhon. Elisabeth, the feedback on the categorizing process is an important point!

Diane

Dean Whitehead has given you an excellent overall summary of the issues. In my opinion, the programs all basically do the same thing, and are all equally useful for thematic analysis. The main differences come under the heading of user interface ("look and feel"). Fortunately, they each have have high quality video tutorials, so you can get a sense of how each one does things -- plus you can assess the quality of the tutorials, since that is the primary path for learning each package.

One other program that I would add to Dean's list is Dedoose, which is most notable for being cloud based, and thus rented by the month. I know that ATLAS now also has a cloud-based version, but I doubt if it follows a rental model.

NVivo

Again all respnses are very useful. However, just to add to what Elisabeth had said, you can try adopting the selective and axial coding tachnique by Strauss and Corbin (1990) provided under their grounded theory method. This would help you link your themes properly. Best Regards.

My research team and I use NVivo10 (liscence bought).

The University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada has downloaded QDA Miner as a free alternative for researchers on campus.

To add on what others have said, I think NVIVO software can help you depending on the version that you will be comfortable with.