Let's keep an open discussion of options.  There is still not a
consistent channel for letting people know what they can even choose
from.

Susanne's point about being careful about taking someone's advice on
what is best because we do not know what packages people considered
before they made that evaluation is very important.  Another reason to
hesitate before readily accepting advice is that there are so many
different uses for programs.

If we consider basic code and retrieve, memo writing, linking key
sections of text, and Boolean and proximity operators as a basic set of
functions, our work with clients over the last 8 years shows that in
addition to packages mentioned people should check out the following
products:

ATLAS.ti 5.0  - www.atlasti.com
ETHNOGRAPH 6.0  - www.qualisresearch.com
HyperResearch 2.6 - www.researchware.com

And - I'm sure that Ed Brent, who is on this list, will say more about
Qualrus.

A couple of other considerations...
Rick mentioned wanting a program to help analyze and code the data.
Since emails of this type are written quickly, we cannot read too much
into expectations here.  But, let me suggest strongly that users think
seriously about what they expect and are willing to accept
methodologically and philosophically when it comes to how software
helps.  We strongly urge you to know and define your method first.  The
software tool should supplement your analytic path.  That will look and
feel different in each package.  Some users take to some interfaces more
easily.

We would suggest looking at ATLAS.ti 5.0 for several reasons.  You can
bring in truly rich documents that even contain charts, photos and
graphs.  The program is extremely reliable.  And, offers a range of
tools that you introduce a range of analytic approaches you can use
within the program.  For example, the ability to highlight key quotes as
objects and name and comment them allows you to stay close to the words
in your data.  You can also diagram the quotes in the network tool.

MaxQDA is very easy to use.  Its interface is built off four windows
that invite you into major phases of qualitative analysis.  A code
system and document system allow you to track, evolve and visually
highlight important codes.  An easy to use and multi-layered memo system
privileges analytic writing.  The retrieved segments window invites
exploration of lots of different connections between codes and
demographic variables.  Also, the new content analysis module MAXdictio
is very powerful.

ETHNOGRAPH 5.0 and HyperResearch 2.6 are also very strong and are
continually updating their products.  Would write more about all
products is I had more time, but I wanted to try to bring more into the
discussion to suggest issues for consideration and throw out more
products into the discussion.  Others please do the same...write
specifically about your experience.

A frustration that I still witness is that even though these products
and QSR's products have existed for up to 20 years.  People still talk
as if they are new on the market.  There are a lot of serious
contenders.

As research methodologist the decision to introduce technology is a
serious one.  Do not simply take the advice of a colleague, list serve,
website or conference presentation.  Read what you can, but I have to
echo comments from Harald and Susanne.  You should make the time to
visit the websites of a few major contenders and read about the
philosophy behind the products.  Look at how it is designed.  Keep your
goals in mind.  Download the demos and explore what is in the packages.
If you feel that you don't know enough about what you will do with your
analysis or how to do qualitative analysis, then maybe it is too early
for you to buy software.  A good resource for basics on qualitative
analysis is at the website www.qualisresearch.com .  It is called the
qualitative paper (correct me if I'm wrong John).  It is written by John
Seidel, who creates ETHNOGRAPH.  It is in no way specific to his
program.  It's an accessible piece that provides a  window into what
you're in for when you undertake a qualitative analysis project.

Hope this helps,
Ray




Raymond C. Maietta, Ph.D.; President
1650 Sycamore Ave., Suite 53
Bohemia, NY 11716
1-631-218-8875
Fax 1- 631-218-8873
www.researchtalk.com