What are the advantages of using computer programs to assist in qualitative analysis? Generally outline how these programs operate and explain how they are designed to facilitate analysis and reporting of qualitative data.

What will be an ideal response?


Programs designed for qualitative data can speed up the analysis process, make it easier for researchers to experiment with different codes, test different hypotheses about relationships, and facilitate diagrams of emerging theories and preparation of research reports. The most popular programs used by social scientists are HyperRESEARCH, QSR NVivo, and ATLAS.ti. Text preparation begins with typing or scanning text in a word processor or, with NVivo, directly into the program’s rich text editor. NVivo will create or import a rich text file; coding the text involves categorizing particular text segments. Each program allows you to assign a code to any segment of text. Coding is not a one-time-only or one-code-only procedure. Each program allows you to be inductive and holistic in coding since you can revise codes, assign multiple codes, and link your comments to text segments. Analysis focuses on reviewing cases or text segments with similar codes and examining relationships among different codes. Reports from each program can include text to illustrate the cases, codes, and relationships that you specify.

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Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

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