The Use of Computer Applications in Qualitative Research A Review

This paper presents a review of twelve (12) foreign research articles from peer-reviewed journals spanning the years from 2002 to 2016. It is noteworthy that no local article was incorporated in this review due to its unavailability in the online search portal. These researches featured computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). The paper includes a brief historical background on CAQDAS. Some of the early computer programs in qualitative research such as Ethnograph,MAXQDA, NVivo, ATLAS.ti and NUD.IST as well as their latest versions were discussed.  The development of the functions and features of majority of CAQDAS programs and how they change the way researchers deal with qualitative data were also presented. Common features of these software packages are centered on the coding as the most fundamental key strategy in qualitative research. In aCAQDAS program, code hierarchies, annotations, writing memos and data exploration can now be done electronically in easy, fast-paced and accurate manner. Despite of a number of advantages in using the software packages, the research article enumerated some vital concerns and criticism about CAQDAS.This part is more focused in this review with conceptual discussions on issues that include (1) diversity of CAQDAS software programs, (2) misconceptions that the software alone can do the analysis, (3) the ownership of the data or its proximity to the researcher, (4) over reliance on the software, (5) the way researchers present their study using CAQDAS, (6) methodological bias leaning on grounded theory, (7)lack of recognition from experts and practitioners, (8) familiarity and technical readiness in using a software of this kind, and (9) the cost and commercialization of CAQDAS programs. In the discussion,precautionary reminders in using the technology was included. In conclusion, manual coding is stillirreplaceable while technology such as CAQDAS is considered an add-on to aid and help in the burdensome work of a qualitative researcher.

Keywords – CAQDAS, computer applications, computer assisted qualitative data analysis,qualitative research