>Here at university we would like to teach students how they have to work
with Qualitative Data Analysis Software. I am preparing the courses (but I
am not familiar with this kind of software) and I have found out that there
are different types of software (Normal word processing software, Rule based
systems, Conceptual network builders, ...) and that the supply of software
packages is huge.
>
>Questions :
>* Are there texts available that clearly distinguish these different types
of software (definition, advantages, disadvantages, ...);
>* What qualitative software packages can be recommended or refused and why;
>
>I would like to thank you in advance for your help,
>
Katrien,
take a look at the Weitzman and Miles (1995 Sage), volume which reviews
32(?) such software packages, (divides them into various categories (Theory
builders, Text retrievers, Conceptual Network builders etc etc)
Its now slightly out of date and is being updated currently - but is still a
very good source for a critical idea of what the various softwares do and
how well. However, on the 'how well' issue, because its out of date you
should bear in mind that some of the criticisms have been MORE THAN fixed on
some software programs by some of the software developers. Also the category
boundaries used in this volume have, with time, become blurred and the
allocation of each software to those categories, has shifted as each program
has developed more whistles and bells.
Additionally if you go to the CAQDAS Networking Project web site - you can
get direct access to some of the developer sites - to see what THEY say
about their current versions
also browse the bibliography at this site - the Weitzman and Miles (1995?)
volume is listed there - as well as direct access to some short articles
written on the subject - (you can see the ones with direct access - they
have links embedded in them - and therefore are highlighted) - one or two of
them give an overview on the subject
http://www.soc.surrey.ac.uk/caqdas/
OK - see whether this gets you a bit further in your investigations
good luck
Ann Lewins
Resource Officer, CAQDAS Networking Project
Dept of Sociology
University of Surrey
GUILDFORD GU2 5XH
email: [log in to unmask]
CAQDAS web site: http://www.soc.surrey.ac.uk/caqdas/
Tel +44 (0)1 483 259 455
Fax +44 (0)1 483 259 551
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