Use Of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software Research Articles

An In-depth Exploration on the Praxis of Computer-assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS)

NVivo is a methodological tool in analyzing qualitative data. The software belongs to the genre of Computer-assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS). This qualitative case study aimed to explore the practices of NVivo adopters within the West Visayas State University (WVSU) System, Academic Year 2019-2020. A researcher-made and foreshadowed Focus Group Discussion (FGD), in-depth interview, and observation protocols were utilized to gather data from the participants. The conceptual analysis was done using NVivo 12 Plus, while the researcher did the analytic analysis. The study revealed that the WVSU NVivo adopters are generally tech-savvy and stationed in the research office. Their speed of using the software varies. The adopters vary in terms of using NVivo- some were fast learners, while others were slow. They regularly ask questions from the researcher-resource speaker, though the NVivo manual of operation was distributed to them. Seven (7) themes have emerged that may optimize NVivo’s functionalities in qualitative data analysis. These themes are requirements for improved coding practices, the need for enhanced visualization skills; the importance of the knowledge on the NVivo research cycle; qualities of NVivo adopters; motivation in using NVivo; and practices for practical qualitative data analysis using NVivo. It is thus concluded that there is a need for WVSU administration to consider several mechanisms to improve the use of CAQDAS, specifically NVivo, in qualitative data analysis.

Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software, Phenomenology, and Colaizzi's Method.

Technology is widely used to support qualitative research. Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) encompasses complementary technologies to support qualitative analysis. Advantages of CAQDAS include efficient management of data and transparency in analysis. Disadvantages include heavy emphasis on coding as a distractor from analysis and considerable time to learn the program. In this methods article, we, as less experienced, qualitative researchers describe our experiences using NVivo, a CAQDAS program, in a descriptive phenomenological study using Colaizzi's method. Over 1 year, 24 postpartum women were given a secure research link to record their experiences with pain and depression during the third trimester of pregnancy. Although NVivo analysis was helpful, the philosophy of phenomenology, reflexivity, and Colaizzi's method directed researchers away from NVivo for the final summation. Recommendations for future use of CAQDAS used concurrently with Colaizzi's method include the use of word clouds and other visualizations for bracketing and triangulation.

Retooling our anti-corruption arsenals: exploring the potential use of CAQDAS in corruption investigation

Purpose This paper aims to explore the potential of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) to be used as a corruption investigation tool to help investigators in carrying out their investigative works. Design/methodology/approach By reviewing the literature on qualitative research and fraud investigation, this exploratory study identifies similarities between the two types of inquiries and thus proposing the use of CAQDAS as an innovation in the field of corruption investigation. To demonstrate how a QDA application can support corruption investigators, NVivo is used as a case study from which various key analytical tools are discussed to highlight their potential in supporting a corruption investigation. Findings As a fundamental part of anti-corruption practice in a country, corruption investigation must be planned and executed professionally and adequately. This paper highlights various stages in fraud investigation to identify areas that can be improved with the use of a CAQDAS. Based on the discussion in this paper, the author concludes that the capability of a CAQDAS to assist users in data reduction and data display has the potential to increase the effectiveness and efficiency in various stages of a corruption investigation. Research limitations/implications Based on a self-funded study, this paper only uses a simulation case with a fictitious company to illustrate how a CAQDAS application can be used to support a corruption investigation process. Future studies may benefit from using actual corruption cases in illustrating how such an application can support the investigation process. Practical implications This paper contributes to the innovation in anti-corruption practice by proposing a new framework and tool to develop corruption investigation capacity. Originality/value This paper brings a new perspective into the field of anti-corruption to stimulate innovation in the area of corruption investigation.

Reinvigorating the human instrument

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) to support qualitative evaluation of corruption prevention initiatives, especially those focusing on behavioral changes. To achieve this objective, this paper applies the principles of qualitative inquiries to establish a foundation for developing effective means for evaluating behavior-oriented corruption prevention initiatives in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThrough exploratory study, this paper assesses current corruption prevention evaluation practice in the Indonesian public sector to highlight major deficiencies thereof primarily through examination of publicly available documents on anti-corruption practice in Indonesia. Furthermore, this paper also discusses how qualitative methods using CAQDAS may strengthen the existing anti-corruption regime by aiding decision-makers to better evaluate the success or failure of their corruption prevention initiatives in particular those aiming for behavioral changes. To illustrate how a qualitative data analysis application can support anti-corruption evaluators, NVivo will be used as a reference from which multiple analytical tools will be discussed to highlight their potential for qualitative qualitative analysis analysis in corruption prevention evaluation.FindingsThe author establishes that the existing quantitative measures of evaluation are insufficient in generating a comprehensive picture of the success or failure of the existing anti-corruption initiatives in Indonesia. Evidences suggest that the existing quantitative measures appear to be unable to cope with the growing complexity of various corruption problems in the country in particular to those related to organizational culture and behavior. Despite the numerous behavior-oriented initiatives to reduce the risk of corruption in the Indonesia public sector, it is still unclear if such initiatives actually have made a difference in preventing corruption, as many of their elements cannot be measured quantitatively. Therefore, the author believe that deeper insights into corruption problems can be obtained through proper qualitative assessments in which evaluators play the role as the primary analytical instrument. To enhance evaluators’ capability in obtaining and analyzing qualitative data, the author proposes the use of CAQDAS and the evaluation of corruption prevention initiatives. With a special reference to NVivo, the author argues that using CAQDAS will enable evaluators to conduct qualitative analysis more efficiently to identify patterns within the data, as it offers various tools to look deeper into context, diversity, nuance and process so as to gain deeper understanding of the meaning of human action and how it may affect the risk of corruption within organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is self-funded and is relying primarily on documentary analysis in assessing the existing corruption prevention evaluation measures in Indonesia. Future studies may benefit from in-depth interviews with anti-corruption evaluators in particular from the country’s anti-corruption agency.Practical implicationsThis paper contributes to the development of corruption prevention strategy by proposing a framework for systematically performing qualitative evaluation on behavior-oriented corruption prevention initiatives.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the importance of qualitative measures in evaluating behavior-oriented corruption prevention initiatives in the Indonesian public sector.

“Why was I not taught to use this software earlier?” A gendered exploration of university students’ beliefs towards their future use of CAQDAS

The use of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) for the organization and analysis of qualitative data has been a hotly debated topic among qualitative researchers since the inception of the technology in the 1980s (Smith & Hesse-Biber, 1996; and Bong, 2002). Proponents of the software claim that QDAS can help strengthen the validity, reliability, and accuracy of data analysis, whereas critics have cautioned that the use of such software distances the researchers from the data and attempts to make the data objective (Saldaña, 2013). The debates surrounding the use of qualitative software have contributed to a lack of student training in academic settings. Consequently, few studies have examined the student experience and decision-making process regarding the use of QDAS in the university setting (Paulus, Woods, Atkins, & Mackin, 2015). Using reflective response data collected from participants of a beginner qualitative coding workshop, this paper adds to the limited literature on student experiences using QDAS by examining gender differences in how participants critically reflected on their first experience using QDAS and examines the likelihood that participants would use QDAS in their future work. Findings from this study indicate that participants who used QDAS for the first time perceived that there are more potential benefits to using QDAS versus manual coding. Gender differences were present with female participants strongly believing that the software would allow them to be more effective and efficient researchers, and male participants believing that they would be better able to gain deeper insights into their data.

Learn for Yourself: The Self-Learning Tools for Qualitative Analysis Software Packages

Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) are tools that help researchers to develop qualitative research projects. These software packages help the users with tasks such as transcription analysis, coding and text interpretation, writing and annotation, content search and analysis, recursive abstraction, grounded theory methodology, discourse analysis, data mapping, among several other types of analysis. This paper analyses the new paradigm of self-learning that presents itself increasingly as a competence to support learning in a proactive way. It further analyses education and CAQDAS with emphasis on the use of CAQDAS in educational research and the self-learning of CAQDAS. The study conducted had two main goals: analyse the self-learning tools of CAQDAS and identify CAQDAS's users profile regarding learning. Six software packages were selected: NVivo, Atlas.ti, Dedoose, webQDA, MAXQDA, and QDA Miner. They were then reviewed, taking into account their transversality, language, (self-learning) tools, among several other factors. The results show that there is a considerable demand for information from users regarding the execution of processes in CAQDAS, and that the packages analysed do not guide the user towards the self-learning tools that best fit their learning style.

Using Computer-assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) to Re-examine Traditionally Analyzed Data: Expanding our Understanding of the Data and of Ourselves as Scholars

As diverse members of a college of education evaluation committee one of our charges is to support faculty as we document and improve our teaching. Our committee asked faculty to respond to three qualitative questions, documenting ways in which interdepartmental and cross-department conversations are used to promote reflective thinking about our practice. Three of us investigated the use of CAQDAS to provide an additional level of analysis and how we learned more about ourselves as scholars through this collaboration. Our findings include recommendations regarding the use of CAQDAS to support collaborative efforts by diverse scholars.

Using Qualitative Data Analysis Software in a Social Constructionist Study of Entrepreneurship

Discussions of the use of computer‐assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) in social science research studies are still few and isolated. In fact, much of the literature takes an uncritical approach to CAQDAS programs based on unrealistic expectations of the software as a methodology in and of itself. This has significant implications for learning and teaching qualitative data analysis software and the way it is used in research. The study on which this article is based combined formal narrative analysis, thematic coding, and deconstruction techniques to analyse the data using a dedicated qualitative data analysis software NVivo. A discussion is given of how the qualitative analysis software was used in a social constructionist study, particularly outlining how it fitted with the methodological perspective adopted, and where, why and in what way rigour fitted with the underpinning epistemological position. Thus, this article illuminates how rigour can be integrated with relevance with the aid of the power and possibilities that qualitative research software possesses. In addition, an attempt is made to demonstrate how the use of CAQDAS enhances the validity of a qualitative project.

The use of CAQDAS in educational research: some advantages, limitations and potential risks

The use of qualitative analysis software has become extremely popular over the recent years; educational researchers now have a range of tools at their disposal, from the ubiquitous word processor to more specialized computer packages. This paper deals with the use of CAQDAS (computer‐assisted qualitative data analysis software) in educational research. We discuss its use in the context of two interview‐based pieces of research. The first study explored the effectiveness of a governmental initiative with respect to teacher engagement and commitment, using MAXqda to examine interviews. The second study looked at teachers’ science‐related representations, where NVivo was used to analyse the data. The discussion puts forward the idea that CAQDAS is of great help and can enhance interview data analysis; however, careful and critical assessment of computer packages is encouraged. Their capabilities must not be overestimated, since computers are still unable to perform an independent rational process or substitute the analyst’s capacities.

Qualitative Data Analysis: A Procedural Comparison

Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) was developed for the purpose of creating efficient modes of qualitative data analysis (Fielding & Lee, 1998). Despite these developments, many social scientists continue to advocate manual data analysis techniques (Hammersley & Atkinson, 1995). Given the rapid development of computerized methods of data analysis amid the continued call for the use of naturalistic inquiry in sport psychology research, the aim of this research note was to compare manual and computerized data analysis techniques. Results highlight the advantages, disadvantages, and commonly held assumptions of the use of CAQDAS.

Using Computer Software to Analyze Qualitative Data: Accounting versus Other Disciplines

The aim of this paper is to investigate the use of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS). In order to get insights in its current use and further potential for accounting researchers, we review the accounting literature in comparison to other disciplines until December 2007. Our analysis framework takes into account the diverse functions CAQDAS offers, as well as the extent of analysis activities undertaken through CAQDAS. Related to the CAQDAS functions, researchers can use CAQDAS just for organizing their data ('code and retrieve'), or for undertaking a 'gentle' or 'far-reaching' analysis within the software package (Lee & Fielding 1995, Seale 2005). Related to analysis quality, researchers can give an indication of whether they find CAQDAS important to enhance the 'validity', 'reliability' and/or 'theoretical sophistication' of their work (Silverman 2005). A thorough search through the contents of ten accounting journals identified 26 published articles using CAQDAS before January 2008. Atals/ti, NUDIST-Nvivo and The Ethnograph are used most. A search for academic papers using these packages in three online databases (from their existence until December 2007) led us to identify about 1150 published papers in journals with a JCR impact score. Our initial analysis compares accounting to sociology. We find that accounting researchers make use of CAQDAS to an extensive degree, in a comparable way to what sociology researchers do. Accounting researchers especially mention the advantages of reliability and validity, appearing more apologetic about their use of qualitative data than sociology researchers. Further, the sociology journals seem to streamline more the way in which authors report about their analysis process based on CAQDAS. We conclude that readers could get better insights in the research process when authors clearly and concisely indicate what they actually did with CADQDAS. Apart from the lessons learned by comparing CAQDAS use in accounting to other disciplines, we want to make sure future CAQDAS users embark on software analysis projects with reasonable expectations: how far-reaching (or not) the options offered, CAQDAS cannot provide a substitute for continuing to think critically about the meaning of data.

Structuring qualitative enquiry in management and organization research

PurposeTo explore the cases for and against the use of computer‐assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) in qualitative organisation and management research.Design/methodology/approachReflecting the debate inherent in the questions raised about the use of CAQDAS, a dialogue between the authors is used.FindingsThere are risks associated with using CAQDAS without considering its underpinning principles and assumptions about data analysis. If these are considered explicitly as part of a research methodology, then CAQDAS may be a valuable analytical tool. If not, there is risk of distortion and bias in results from the use of CAQDAS.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a commonly posed question for qualitative researchers, in a format and structure that is likely to stimulate further debate.

Maximizing Transparency in a Doctoral Thesis1: The Complexities of Writing About the Use of QSR*NVIVO Within a Grounded Theory Study

This article discusses the challenges of how to provide a transparent account of the use of the software program QSR*NVIVO (QSR, 2000) within a grounded theory framework (Glaser and Strauss, 1967; Strauss and Corbin, 1998). Psychology students are increasingly pursuing qualitative research projects to such an extent that the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) advise that students should have skill in the use of computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) (Economic and Social Research Council, 2001). Unlike quantitative studies, rigid formulae do not exist for writing-up qualitative projects for doctoral theses. Most authors, however, agree that transparency is essential when communicating the findings of qualitative research. Sparkes (2001) recommends that evaluative criteria for qualitative research should be commensurable with the aims, objectives, and epistemological assumptions of the research project. Likewise, the use of CAQDAS should vary according to the research methodology followed, and thus researchers should include a discussion of how CAQDAS was used. This article describes how the evolving process of coding data, writing memos, categorizing, and theorizing were integrated into the written thesis. The structure of the written document is described including considerations about restructuring and the difficulties of writing about an iterative process within a linear document.