Qualitative_data_analysis

ecording of an index of information such as title, location, and date. Now the
computer can automatically index information of this kind.
These aspects of managing data may seem trivial; they are anything but. Given
the sheer volume and complexity of qualitative data, failure to manage the data
efficiently means failure to analyse the data effectively. It may be that some of the
aims (perhaps it might be better to say ‘ideals’) of qualitative analysis can only be
achieved now computers have provided efficient methods which eliminate much of
the tedium and time-consuming chores involved in managing data. This is perhaps
one reason why the introduction of computers has been associated with renewed
calls for rigour in qualitative analysis.
At the core of qualitative analysis lies a twofold task: to select a bit of data, and
assign it to a category. This has become known as ‘coding’ data (more on that later).
In the far-off days when I was working on my Ph.D., this involved copying bits of data
on to cards, and filing each card under an appropriate category. If the data had to be
filed under more than one category—then tough! No, there were no xerox machines
or other labour-saving devices available in those days. The computer now allows this
task to be accomplished with amazing rapidity. Most of the software packages
designed for qualitative analysis provide procedures for coding data quickly and
easily.
There are, of course, significant variations in what the software offers (Tesch
1990). Let us consider some of the ways a computer can make life easier. It can make
it a simple matter to select the relevant bit of data, whether by line number or (more
appropriately for qualitative analysis) by selecting meaningful bits of text. It can
record automatically the text location, the file reference, and any other information
you want to note about this bit of data (e.g. who is speaking). It can keep an up-todate
list of categories from which you can easily choose those you want to assign to
the data. It can store the selected data and category (or categories) automatically in a
new and easily accessible file together with all the other relevant information. It can
allow ready access to all the data previously assigned to a particular category or
categories. It can retrieve all the data assigned to a particular category or
combination of categories, and file or print out the results. In these ways, the
computer can enormously enhance the speed and thoroughness with which data are
coded and retrieved.
Computer enhancements
• Recording and storing data
• Filing and indexing data
• Coding and retrieving data
INTRODUCING COMPUTERS 59