Hand Coding Versus Qualitative Data Analysis Software

It is not uncommon for qualitative researchers to spend the first phase of analysis hand-coding, text coding, or spreadsheet coding before turning to qualitative data analysis (QDA) software. Modern software packages offer efficient ways to organize and code data electronically, and to visualize the patterns in codes and categories. Of course, no software package takes the place of immersion in the data and the intensive effortful work needed to illuminate the essence of the phenomenon as your participants describe it.

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In this week’s Assignment, you will research QDA software and compare what you have experienced using Excel or Word to what the software offers.

Develop a 3- to 5-page paper describing considerations for choosing to use QDA software. Include your responses to the following:

Hands-on: Summarize your experience with coding using Excel or Word. Identify what worked well, where you struggled, and how the process of coding evolved.
Research: Summarize your research on your two choices by comparing and contrasting features. Describe why you chose these two versus the others and, given your experience in this course, what you are considering for your capstone.

FYI, i coded both my interviews by hand, no software, so go with whatever works for the flow of the paper. Basically anything you find on software will be better and probably less time consuming than using word and excel

LaPelle, N. R. (2004). Simplifying qualitative data analysis using general purpose software tools. Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, 16(1), 1–20. doi:10.1177/1525822X03259227
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Meyer, D. Z., & Avery L. M. (2009). Excel as a qualitative data analysis tool. Field Methods, 21(1), 91–112. doi:10.1177/1525822X08323985
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Smith, J. & Firth, J. (2011). Qualitative data analysis: The framework approach. Nurse Researcher, 18(2), 52-62.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.