>thomas muhr wrote-
> ATLAS.ti is not restricted to hierarchical graphs and the layout procedure
> can be fine tuned by the user by assigning different layout preferences to
> specific relations. By doing so, you can specify that ISA links are layed
> out from bottom to top and "is-cause-of" links from left to right.
yes, i didn't intend to give the impression it is impossible in
ATLAS/ti. the tool is without any doubt very versatile, and i have to
say that i am not experienced at using the more advanced commands,
having begun experimenting with the 'network editor ' at the weekend.
however, i still don't think it can meet my needs, which i will
outline next...
> I would like to understand more of the "overview of links" you mentioned.
> If it weren't for your comment regarding hierarchical graphs I would say,
> that the object explorer would come close to what you want.
I am using the facilities in ATLAS/ti to do the usual text
segmenting/categorising[coding]/memoing stuff, with interview
transcripts which are bursting to the seams with highly interrelated
ideas. This means that the relationships between codes are
numerous and very complex, and a hierachical graph, showing links
between the text segments categorised within codes and their memos
would be visually impenetrable, like wool after the cat has
got hold of it.
to get round this, and given that i can look at the
text segments and memos for each code should i want more detail, i
think i can get away with using an overview of the links between
codes alone. I am counting the number of links between codes and
calling this the 'strength' of a relationship. I am also usign the
number of segnemts within a code and calling this the 'mass' of a
code.
i have found that 2-d won't do as a way to represent the data,
and find that i need the 3-d offered by hyperspace graphing, also the
ability to rotate the graphs is extremely useful. i am using the
graphs in conjunction with the textual versions of the codes in
ATLAS/ti in order to help generate insights into the nature of
relationships between codes.
i will experiment with the 'object explorer', and see if it is useful
though, as i am happy to use any number of means to help generate
insights!
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Adrian Bromage
Westhill College
Weoley Park Road
Selly Oak
Birmingham UK
B29 6LL
Tel 0121 472 7245
Fax 0121 415 5399
E-Mail [log in to unmask]
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