Learn some important steps about using Quirkos software for qualitative data analysis.

Are you thinking about whether to use CAQDAS, Computer Assisted Qualitative Data AnalysiS, to manage, code, and assist in the analysis of your qualitative data? Reviewing available software is a good first step, before you decide whether and how to use what technology. In this post, find resources about how to use NVivo - other software options will be considered in additional posts.

Qualitative researchers often collect large quantities of data that can include visuals or media, audio files or notes from interviews, text or artifacts. Some rely on software to organize, manage, and code data. This use of technology is described as CAQDAS, Computer Assisted Qualitative Data AnalysiS. Find resources about how to use CAQDAS in this post.

For centuries, being a scientist has meant learning to live with limited data. People only share so much on a survey form. Experiments don’t account for all the conditions of real world situations. Field research and interviews can only be generalized so far. Network analyses don’t tell us everything we want to know about the ties among people. And text/content/document analysis methods allow us to dive deep into a small set of documents, or they give us a shallow understanding of a larger archive. Never both. So far, the truly great scientists have had to apply many of these approaches to help us better see the world through their kaleidoscope of imperfect lenses.