Qualitative Research & Tools

What can computers help you do?

• Organize data, memos, and work from teams
• Apply multiple codes to text segments, even overlapping
• See all the codes (automatically generated)
  • See which codes were used the most, or across the most data sources
• Retrieve all the text labeled with the same code (e.g., to view only one topic or question)
  • Makes it easier to identify additional elements of themes as sub-codes 
  • In most software you can retrieve text based on advanced searches such as overlapping or nearby codes
• Change the codes as your understanding evolves
  • Rename, combine, or remove
• [Re-]organize the codes to reflect relationships or analysis
  • Group and/or arrange hierarchically (with child or sub-codes)

• Video: What Qualitative Data Analysis software can and can’t do for you,  9min (squaremethodology)
• Video: Choosing Qualitative Data Analysis Software: Qualitative Research Methods (Mod-U) (4.5 min)
  • Do you even want to use CAQDAS software?
  • Do all the software have the same abilities?
  • Does software automate analysis?
  • How much do they cost?

Coding Tips

• Avoid too many codes. Each code (at least ultimately) should be used at least 4-6 times. Don't go over 100 codes without talking to someone, 20-50 is better.
• Code using overlap. Instead of separate codes for "Positive Economy" "Postive Environment" "Negative Economy" and "Negative Economy", use "Negative", "Positive", "Environment", and "Economy". In this example, it isn't fewer codes, but it scales better and will be easier to compare later.
• Code entire thoughts. Analysis is done through the retrieval phase where you look at the coded references. If you see just a bunch of single words that will not be helpful. Plus, that will not allow for coding overlap.