Technology to Support Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Communication of Research Findings

            Traditionally, qualitative researchers disseminate their work through static or linear word-processed documents (Brown, 2002, Representing Digital Data section, ¶ 1).  However, interactive research articles are increasing as hypertext and multimedia presentation formats gain exposure.   Hypertext writing is, “a kind of writing that uses computer technologies to allow multiple pathways through a document through the use of hyperlinks” (2002, Representing Digital Data section, ¶ 1).  For qualitative researchers who elect to communicate research findings through hypertext, posses the ability to surpass the limited interpretation constraints of the linear text format (2002, Representing Digital Data section, ¶ 2).  
            Currently, HTML and PDF file formats are two widely available formats that support hypertext and offer new formats for qualitative and quantitative researchers to present their research findings.  Hypertext writing uses the programming language Hypertext Markup Language allowing the author to hyperlink to other documents.  Using an HTML and Hypertext writing to communicate research findings offers five important benefits.

1. HTML is currently the industry standard thereby facilitating the interchange of various file formats so it is very practical to use this format when exchanging electronic documents.

2. HTML is presently highly compatible and is readily available through modern computers,

3. HTML supports multimedia such as images, text, sound, and video through small files sizes that are easy to share.

4. HTML and hypertext writing presents information in a way that is similar to how the human brain thinks, therefore, it promotes comprehension and association.

5. HTML and hypertext writing create a context that support independent critical thinking that is important within the research community (Brown, 2002, Using HTML and PDF for Multimedia Papers section ¶ 1; Aramal, 1995, Why Use Hypertext section, ¶ 3 & 7) .

   Another standardized Web format is the portable document format (PDF)  which uses Acrobat Reader, a free application widely available on the web to view documents in a “page quality” format.  Currently, PDF is the worldwide standard for secure and reliable document distribution via print, the Web, or mobile devices" (Adobe Systems Inc., 2003, ¶ 1). 
            PDF files offers the ability to combine diverse document types such as multimedia files, spreadsheets, engineering specs, and Web pages within a universally accessible format.  An increasingly important feature of PDF is the document security it provides for the dissemination and receipt of electronic information (Adobe Systems Inc., 2003b, Distribute Documents Securely section ¶ 1; Brown, 2002, Using HTML and PDF for multimedia papers section, ¶ 2)  PDF files can be password protected by the author to disable options such as copying, cutting, pasting, and printing. Perhaps the most beneficial advantage of PDF files is the publishing industry also uses this format, making publication in online journals, newsletters or manuals highly compatible (Irvin, B., personal communication, June 13, 2002; Harvin, S., personal communication, August 2, 2002).
            Although the advantages of hypertext writing are significant, researchers should cautiously consider the increasing copyright and intellectual property right issues associated with this emerging medium.  Researchers must also consider participant anonymity when disseminating qualitative data containing video or audio in hypertext formats.
         While linear research articles presented in paper-based journals continue to be the norm, technology enhanced qualitative research appears to be gaining momentum particularly in online peer reviewed journals.  However, the mainstream qualitative community has yet to embrace  the concept of CAQDAS fully, the quality of technology applications to support qualitative research is advancing and will hopefully broaden acceptance of a technology enhanced qualitative research process.

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