A survey on computer assisted qualitative data analysis software

Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) are tools that help researchers to develop qualitative research projects. These software packages help the users with tasks such as transcription analysis, coding and text interpretation, writing and annotation, content search and analysis, recursive abstraction, grounded theory methodology, discourse analysis, data mapping, among several other types of analysis. This paper analyses the new paradigm of self-learning that presents itself increasingly as a competence to support learning in a proactive way. It further analyses education and CAQDAS with emphasis on the use of CAQDAS in educational research and the self-learning of CAQDAS. The study conducted had two main goals: analyse the self-learning tools of CAQDAS and identify CAQDAS's users profile regarding learning. Six software packages were selected: NVivo, Atlas.ti, Dedoose, webQDA, MAXQDA, and QDA Miner. They were then reviewed, taking into account their transversality, language, (self-learning) tools, among several other factors. The results show that there is a considerable demand for information from users regarding the execution of processes in CAQDAS, and that the packages analysed do not guide the user towards the self-learning tools that best fit their learning style.

Teaching qualitative methods to students has become more frequent in social work programs. The use of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software has also increased. Improper use of these software programs, however, can lead to misinterpretation of qualitative data. Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software instruction has evolved in an ad hoc manner in spite of the importance of correct use of this software. This results in a lack of thorough knowledge of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software or knowledge of the software that poorly incorporates qualitative methodology. We propose a new model that addresses these barriers by incorporating computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software instruction with qualitative inquiry via a dual instruction method. This model centers on the collaboration between the qualitative faculty instructor and a specialized computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software trainer. The result of this is integration of qualitative research knowledge with computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software skills. Both the faculty member and specialized computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software trainer have the opportunity to work with the students and collaborate with one another. This paper describes the new model, including its conception and requirements for its implementation. We discuss our own experiences implementing the model and offer individual reflections of the faculty member, the trainer, and a student from the pilot program. The results appear to be more effective and appropriate use of this software.

For many years, qualitative analysis has largely been undertaken using manual techniques. Since the late 1980s, dedicated software has been developed to aid qualitative analysis. The first generation of computer programs was largely designed to assist researchers in managing data by enabling the structuring of information from focus groups, field notes and interviews. One of the first computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) packages (developed by Australian academic Tom Richards) was called NUD*IST, which stands for Non-numerical Unstructured Data Indexing, Searching and Theorising. It was designed to provide a program like SPSS but as a non-Statistical Package for Social Scientists. Second generation CAQDAS packages introduced functions for coding text and manipulating, searching and reporting on the coded text. This assisted researchers in the retrieval of text from data, enabled scholars to code that data and develop a system of relating codes to each other using tree-like structures.

This exploratory study analysed the Threshold Learning Outcomes (TLOs) specified in the Bachelor of Laws Learning and Teaching Academic Standards Statement December 2010, and the Competency Standards for Entry-Level Lawyers for Practical Legal Training, as updated by the Australasian Professional Legal Education Council and Law Admissions Consultative Committee in February 2002 (NCS). The qualitative analysis was undertaken using the NVivo computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS), to investigate how skills were categorised and defined in each of the documents. The results were then analysed to compare the respective categorisation and definition of skills, and to point to potential complements, overlaps, conflicts, gaps, or blind spots, between the TLOs and the NCS. The findings, and the methodology adopted, might provide insights for future instructional design, content, and delivery of Practical Legal Training programs, and for future reviews of the TLOs and NCS.

Developments during the 1990s in the use of computer software for qualitative data analysis are surveyed. Salient trends are identified as are wider issues associated with software use. Also listed are some of the resources now available to potential and actual users of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS).

As professional demands in an increasingly competitive academic environment are growing, professors are often assigned to teach outside their area of expertise. This paper investigates the experience of teaching new courses that are outside a faculty member’s immediate area of expertise. Key questions concern the extent to which faculty members appreciate the opportunity to be content novices and whether they accept to appear as such in front of their students. This paper uses an online qualitative survey of 70 international faculty members from diverse academic disciplines. It also employs the computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) package NVivo (Version 12) to conduct a series of qualitative analysis. Our findings suggest a fluctuation in the faculty members’ responses about the importance of mastering the subject matter and the joy of teaching as a content novice. The study finally provides practical suggestions on how to succeed in teaching outside one’s area of expertise.

Purpose This paper aims to explore the potential of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) to be used as a corruption investigation tool to help investigators in carrying out their investigative works. Design/methodology/approach By reviewing the literature on qualitative research and fraud investigation, this exploratory study identifies similarities between the two types of inquiries and thus proposing the use of CAQDAS as an innovation in the field of corruption investigation. To demonstrate how a QDA application can support corruption investigators, NVivo is used as a case study from which various key analytical tools are discussed to highlight their potential in supporting a corruption investigation. Findings As a fundamental part of anti-corruption practice in a country, corruption investigation must be planned and executed professionally and adequately. This paper highlights various stages in fraud investigation to identify areas that can be improved with the use of a CAQDAS. Based on the discussion in this paper, the author concludes that the capability of a CAQDAS to assist users in data reduction and data display has the potential to increase the effectiveness and efficiency in various stages of a corruption investigation. Research limitations/implications Based on a self-funded study, this paper only uses a simulation case with a fictitious company to illustrate how a CAQDAS application can be used to support a corruption investigation process. Future studies may benefit from using actual corruption cases in illustrating how such an application can support the investigation process. Practical implications This paper contributes to the innovation in anti-corruption practice by proposing a new framework and tool to develop corruption investigation capacity. Originality/value This paper brings a new perspective into the field of anti-corruption to stimulate innovation in the area of corruption investigation.

Advances in technology have provided new approaches for data collection methods and analysis for researchers. Data collection is no longer limited to paper-and-pencil format, and numerous methods are now available through Internet and electronic resources. With these techniques, researchers are not burdened with entering data manually and data analysis is facilitated by software programs. Quantitative research is supported by the use of computer software and provides ease in the management of large data sets and rapid analysis of numeric statistical methods. New technologies are emerging to support qualitative research with the availability of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS).CAQDAS will be presented with a discussion of advantages, limitations, controversial issues, and recommendations for this type of software use.

The reviewed book concentrates on the issue of qualitative data analysis. It primarily provides practical information for students and social researchers on how to deal with textual data starting with data preparation until writing the actual report. The book proposes as a convenient and effective way to process data. But, what is additionally valuable, it suggests multiple comparative analysis techniques which would allow a researcher to go beyond simple coding and retrieving in order to achieve more plausible and in-depth interpretations. Apart from this, it introduces a reader to the analysis of biographies and narratives, as well as to computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). The book is full of practical advice, with a lot of how-to-do suggestions and useful examples, as well as indications of the possible difficulties in the analysis. Still, even if the book seems to be kept on an elementary level, it would have helped readers to better apply proposed practical advice to their research, if, before reading the book, they had acquired more general knowledge about the specificity of qualitative analysis and the various approaches used within it. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs100341

Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) was developed for the purpose of creating efficient modes of qualitative data analysis (Fielding & Lee, 1998). Despite these developments, many social scientists continue to advocate manual data analysis techniques (Hammersley & Atkinson, 1995). Given the rapid development of computerized methods of data analysis amid the continued call for the use of naturalistic inquiry in sport psychology research, the aim of this research note was to compare manual and computerized data analysis techniques. Results highlight the advantages, disadvantages, and commonly held assumptions of the use of CAQDAS.

Data Analysis of Virtual Learning Environment: Using the Computer-Mediated Discourse Analysis Technique with the Support of Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software

The maritime industry plays a dual role as a critical driver of global trade and a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollutant emissions, posing challenges to environmental sustainability. As key nodes in the global supply chain, ports face mounting pressure to adopt greener practices. This study synthesises insights from contemporary scientific research articles, highlighting best practices, successful case studies, and obstacles in implementing emission reduction strategies and environmentally friendly port services worldwide. A two-step mixed-methods approach was utilised, combining a systematic review of literature with qualitative data analysis. The PRISMA methodology guided the selection of 27 peer-reviewed articles from the Web of Science Core Collection, spanning the period from 2015 to 2024. Subsequently, thematic coding and comprehensive analysis were conducted using Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) ATLAS.ti, enabling a structured synthesis of findings related to port services and emission reduction strategies. Through this analysis, three critical themes emerged as essential for enhancing environmental sustainability in port operations: innovative technologies for emission reduction, data-driven optimization for port efficiency, and policies and governance for green ports. Drivers such as financial incentives, advanced technologies, and regulatory frameworks were identified, alongside barriers like economic feasibility, technical challenges, and organisational resistance. These themes reveal the interconnected nature of sustainability efforts and the need for collaborative strategies to overcome existing obstacles. By identifying key drivers and challenges, this research offers valuable insights for advancing sustainable practices in port operations. The findings underscore the importance of aligning technological, operational, and policy-driven measures to foster environmental efficiency while mitigating emissions. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable port operations, providing actionable insights for stakeholders and policymakers in the maritime industry to support the transition toward greener and more efficient port practices.

Qualitative international research is increasingly popular in marketing, management and business practice. Cultural dimensions, most importantly language, play a central role in this research context. The importance of language in the context of questionnaire design and international data gathering has long been stressed in various sources (Pike 1966; Brislin 1970; Piekkari & Welch 2004). However, the practice of qualitative data collection and analysis has not been addressed sufficiently, although new and innovative software-based tools are available to help these efforts. This paper deals with methodological and practical issues in analysing qualitative interviews with corporate elites. We illustrate conceptual challenges in setting up qualitative projects that build on interviewing corporate elites and address practical implementation issues in terms of multilingual coding, node creation and theory building by means of computerassisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). To this end a specific empirical example will be used.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in non-formal, informal and formal education is an emerging area with great potential to transform the world. However, the capacity of educators, youth workers and teachers to capitalise on this potential remains limited due to a lack of well-defined frameworks for AI integration in practices. The scope of this study is to explore the needs, challenges, and perspectives of youth work professionals regarding AI integration.The research methodology employed mixt research methods. The literature review was followed by four semi-structured focus groups involving 72 youth workers and professionals with diverse backgrounds, nationalities and experience levels. A common guideline was used to ensure consistency, including facilitator instructions, discussion prompts, and reporting templates. The data collected during the focus groups were analysed using a Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS), ATLAS.ti software dedicated to qualitative research. The authors conducted qualitative analysis, through coding, identification of main categories, thematic map for visualization of results, and interpretation of findings to uncover patterns and deeper insights. The results revealed a generally positive attitude toward AI tools and an awareness of their potential benefits in youth work, particularly in content creation. However, participants reported significant challenges regarding the use of AI for administrative tasks efficiency, for personalised learning, ethical concerns, and difficulty in interpretation of data. Cross-country similarities emerged, suggesting a shared need for capacity building and continuous training, while differences highlighted the influence of national contexts and digital infrastructure.This study provides a foundational understanding of the competence needs of youth workers in relation to AI adoption. The findings are relevant for course designers wishing to offer targeted training for youth workers. Future research is also needed into policy-level support mechanisms that can enhance AI literacy and ethical integration across the sector.

Healthcare services at Maternal healthcare facilities operate to provide safe delivery for women of childbearing age. The numerous maternal deaths remain a concern, even though the government maintains maternity healthcare facilities. All literature studies show that health services usage remains low in rural regions, particularly Northern Nigeria. This study delved into exploring male partners' and health workers' views on women's utilisation of maternal healthcare services in Bauchi state, Nigeria. The study adopted a case study qualitative research design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select five married men and two skilled birth attendants, who were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The data collected were transcribed and translated from Hausa to English. Braun and Clarke's (2006) Thematic Data Analytical technique was used to analyse the data with Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS), MAXQDA 2024. Three themes emerged from the analysis: maternal healthcare factors, women's use of maternal healthcare, and women's issues. There was a staff shortage, an unfavourable staff attitude, and a distance from the health centres. In contrast, the maternal healthcare centres were not in good condition to attract reproductive women to the healthcare centre. Reproductive women experienced financial challenges and inadequate spousal support and mostly used healthcare during emergencies. Hence, it was recommended that health institutions, NGOs, and policymakers should partner to educate communities about home and self-delivery, including the potential risks and benefits