You may already know that analyzing interview and survey data can be time-consuming. Once you have completed the data collection process, you will be left with a large amount of data that requires thorough and careful analysis. By dedicating enough time to analyze the data appropriately, you will achieve your research goal of deriving meaningful insights and comprehending your initial inquiries.
Knowing that several tools and resources are available to assist you in the analysis process is reassuring. However, it’s essential to note that these programs, known as “computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software” or “CAQDAS,” are not a substitute for your effort. Instead, they can help create a structured environment that facilitates the tracking and managing of vast amounts of data. As the researcher, you still need to undertake the manual labor of determining the pertinent information to your research question, organizing it, and gaining insight into its significance in the context of your study. That’s why having some experience analyzing data independently before handing it over to the computer can be beneficial.
The majority of analysis programs can aid in the following analysis aspects. Click on the yellow icons to discover more information about these aspects.
Ethics Check:
If you are inexperienced with QDA techniques or unfamiliar with the technology you are using, it is probable that your data analysis will be weak and your results unreliable. One helpful approach is to begin by manually coding a small section of your data to grasp the process before utilizing a computer program. Allocate sufficient time to learn the details of the software you have chosen to avoid substandard or incomplete analysis. Lastly, don’t hesitate to request assistance! Utilize the knowledge of colleagues and supervisors to lead you through data analysis.
Look at this video about what qualitative data analysis software can and can’t do to further evaluate its usefulness in your research.
While using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software is becoming increasingly commonplace in interview research, there are pros and cons to be aware of before utilizing it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly organized | Focuses on quantity and frequency of words/phrases |
| Allows you to work with large datasets | May distance the researcher from the data |
| Searchable for words, phrases, and codes | The speed, ease, and power of computer programs make it easy for researchers to take shortcuts in analysis |
| Provides visualization tools | The broader implications of the data may be missed |
| Facilitates group research and the use of multiple coders | Not all packages have the tools needed for a specific project |
| May reduce the time needed for analysis | Time must be spent learning the software |
| Allows you to trace your steps of analysis easily | Potential financial expense |
Proper use of CAQDAS
It’s important to remember that you should never let the capabilities of a program guide your analysis. There is no one program that is right for all researchers and all research methods. Using CAQDAS in your research process should not restrict your ability to analyze every aspect of the data fully; rather, it should enhance your ability to go deeply into the data. If you can’t find a program that works with your approach to analysis, you are better off manually coding rather than changing your approach to fit a program.
Still, wondering what software is right for you? Consider this video from Duke University which explains the ins and outs of choosing a software package and answers other commonly asked questions about CAQDAS. You can also visit our resources page to help choose a program that fits your requirements.
Personal Project
Consider what specific needs you have when selecting qualitative data analysis software. When evaluating the usefulness of software packages for your project, you can ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I need a program for my project?
- Am I better off with a comprehensive program, or will a basic set of capacities be just as helpful to me?
- How much time will I have to learn the program and its workflow? Will the program accommodate my workflow?
- Does the program work with the research methodology I am using?
- Can the program produce useful visualization tools for my project?
- Is the program worth the cost? Is it worth the time spent learning it?
