Using Computers in Qualitative Research

Book Overview

This is a comprehensive assessment of recent developments in the use of computers in qualitative research, an increasingly important and rapidly growing area of interest among social scientists and graduate students.

Using Computers in Qualitative Research profiles and compares the principal programs available, identifying their particular strengths and limitations. It outlines the sorts of research problems that existing and forthcoming software can and cannot handle. The contributors also draw on their experiences of teaching computer-based techniques to suggest ways in which these could be incorporated into research methods training. Reprinted with updated information on computer resources, 1992]

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803984251
• ISBN13: 9780803984257
• Release Date: June 1991
• Publisher: Sage Publications UK
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A "How To" Book for Researchers

The complexity of the challenge faced by qualitative researchers using computers is discussed in the opening chapter. Issues, options, potential problems, and the potential associated with the use of computers in research are discussed at length. Lee and Fielding, two UK researchers (and the book's editors) cover the subject matter quite well. In fact, the vast majority of contributors to this book are UK based. A minority of American researchers are included, however.In the second chapter, Renata Tesch (USA) discusses software and looks at program capabilities.Paradigms and research processes in the transformation of qualitative methodology is the issue discussed in chapter 3 by Lyn Richards and Tom Richards. They make the point, "Qualitative method is about understanding data in their context."John Davies has a chapter on automated tools for qualitative research.His chapter is heavily illustrated to clarify his points.The three chapters in part two (chapters 5-7) talk about the implications for research practice.The third part of the book (chapters 8-11) provide closure in addressing qualitative knowledge and computing.This is a nice contribution to the niche it seeks to fill.