With recent significant advances having been made in computer-aided methods to support qualitative data analysis, a whole new range of methodological questions arises: Will the software employed `take over' the analysis? Can computers be used to improve reliability and validity? Can computers make the research process more transparent and ensure a more systematic analysis?

This book examines the central methodological and theoretical issues involved in using computers in qualitative research. International experts in the field discuss various strategies for computer-assisted qualitative analysis, outlining strategies for building theories by employing networks of categories and means of evaluating hypotheses generated from qualitative data. New ways of integrating qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques are also described.

About the Author
Udo Kelle is a Senior Researcher at the Special Research Centre 186 of the German National Research Council at the University of Bremen. CONTRIBUTORS OUTSIDE WESTERN HEMISPHERE Kelle: Computer-Aided Qualitative Research Luis Araujo University of Lancaster Ian Dey University of Edinburgh Thomas Eckert WZB Berlin Raymond M Lee Royal Holloway and Bedford College University of London Nigel G Fielding University of Surrey Gunter Huber Tubingen University Udo Kuckartz Free University Berlin Heather Laurie University of Essex Markku Lonkila University of Helsinki Rainer Mathes WZB Berlin Lyn Richards La Trobe University Bundoora Bundoora Tom Richards La Trobe University Bundoora Edeltraub Roller WZB Berlin

Reviews
`It is fair to state that the authors have succeeded in providing a stimulating and at times challenging treatment of the issues associated with working with textual data. This text will be of particular value to those seeking to understand the latest developments in computer analysis of textual data and the associated possibilities. It is particularly timely as the business related disciplines (management, strategic management and marketing, and consumer behaviour) appear to be showing a degree of disillusionment with quantitative methods and turning their thoughts towards the richer possibilities of qualitative research.... Each section is preceded by an excellent introductory chapter. Indeed, it is a major positive feature of the text that these introductory chapters not only provide the usual overview or summary of the material that is to follow, but also present a creative and valuable exposition of the content in their own right.... An interesting discussion of the functions of coding is provided and there is an extended case study of a user's software experience.... an excellent text which should be read by all management researchers and may be suitable as a text for PhD and other advanced research courses' - Management Learning

`It is not expensive for 210 pages packed with detail, and with contributors widely distributed thanks to e-mail; although US and Europe predominate' - Changes

`What Kelle and collaborators Prein and Bird have provided is a highly unique and stimulating contribution to this topic. Investigators using qualitative methods and pondering the use, implications and potential of computers for analytic purposes should find this text to be a provocative addition to the literature' - Computers in Nursing

Book Information
ISBN 9780803977617
Author Udo Kelle
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Sage Publications Ltd
Publisher Sage Publications Ltd
Weight(grams) 400g