Microcomputer Data Base Programs in Social Research

Abstract

Possible data base applications in social research include working with quantitative data files and gathering research information. Social research commonly involves 10 data management activities common to most major mainframe statistical packages. Social researchers using microcomputers may need other solutions for their data management needs. These include writing a program, using a standard spreadsheet, and using a data base manager program. Microcomputers and their data base software can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of information gathering for research projects by easing and improving notetaking and organizing and by providing highly efficient, error-checking tools to assist in entry of research data from many different kinds of sources. Mainframe and minicomputers traditionally have not been used for many of these information gathering activities. For the nearfuture, microcomputer data base managers will continue to serve useful purposes for social researchers, even while they remain not completely adequate because of their orientation toward their principal market: business people. Developments in the software arena will help make microcomputer data base manage ment tools more useful. As microcomputer statistical packages improve, social researchers may once again do most of their "data base management "using the same tool they use to perform their statistical analysis.