Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Integrating Technology to Improve the Efficiency of Qualitative Data Analysis—A Note on Methods

  • Note
  • Published:
Qualitative Sociology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Qualitative data analysis (QDA) is often a time-consuming and laborious process usually involving the management of large quantities of textual data. Recently developed computer programs offer great advances in the efficiency of the processes of QDA. In this paper we report on an innovative use of a combination of extant computer software technologies to further enhance and simplify QDA. Used in appropriate circumstances, we believe that this innovation greatly enhances the speed with which theoretical and descriptive ideas can be abstracted from rich, complex, and chaotic qualitative data.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

REFERENCES

  • Blauner, B. (1987). Problems of editing first-person sociology. Qualitative Sociology, 10, 46-64.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeVault, M. L. (1990). Talking and listening from women's standpoint: Feminist strategies for interviewing and analysis. Social Problems, 37, 96-116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duncan, J. (1997). To transcribe or not to transcribe? That is the question. Education Research and Perspectives, 24, 1-13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glaser, B., & Strauss, A. (1967). The discovery of grounded theory. Chicago: Aldine Publishing Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lofland, J. (1971). Analyzing social settings. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

    Google Scholar 

  • Opie, A. (1995). Beyond good intentions: Support work with older people. Wellington, New Zealand: Institute of Policy Studies.

    Google Scholar 

  • Poland, B., & Pederson, A. (1998). Reading between the lines: Interpreting silences in qualitative research. Qualitative Inquiry, 4, 293-313.

    Google Scholar 

  • Short, P. M. (1996). No-one to turn to: Estrangement, need and kinship economies. Paper presented to the 5th Australian Families Research Conference, Brisbane, Queensland, November. Also at <http://www.aifs.org.au> and on Australian Family and Society Abstracts (FAMILY) database.

  • Smith, C. D. (1998). Men don't do this kind of thing: A case study of the social isolation of househusbands.

  • Men and Masculinities, 1, 138-172.

  • Strauss, A. (1987). Qualitative analysis for social scientists. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. Newbury Park: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Teaching and Educational Development Institute, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia, 4072

    Calvin Smith

  2. Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia, 4072

    Patricia M. Short

Authors
  1. Calvin Smith
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Patricia M. Short
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Smith, C., Short, P.M. Integrating Technology to Improve the Efficiency of Qualitative Data Analysis—A Note on Methods. Qualitative Sociology 24, 401–407 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010643025038

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010643025038

Search

Navigation