Technology to Support Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Technology can support the research process, in many significant ways.  However, when you enter into a discussion on technology enhanced data analysis and interpretation; the topic quickly becomes controversial.  The controversy surrounding qualitative data analysis applications (CAQDAS) stems from the argument that the technology will replace or supplant quality analysis and interpretation of data by the researcher (Brown, 2002; Fielding, 1993; Gibbs, Friese & Mangabeira, 2002; Roberts & Wilson, 2002).  “Many qualitative researchers believe that the use of software poses a threat to the craft skills of a long-established research tradition” (N. Fielding, 1993, Qualitative Data Analysis with a Computer:  Recent Developments section ¶ 4).
            The debate surrounding CAQDAS is typically divided into three categories, 1) CAQDAS advocates, researchers who oppose CAQDAS on epistemological or methodological foundations, and a third group who don’t object, but who have yet to be convinced based on the current software (Brown, 2002, Digital Data Analysis Without CAQDAS section ¶ 1).  However, as a whole, qualitative researchers see the value of using technology throughout the research process, specifically for some aspects of the data analysis and interpretation phase.
            Some qualitative researchers distinguish between analysis relating to data management and analysis relating to interpretation in terms of appropriate technology use. The practice of distinguishing between mechanical and conceptual aspects of data analysis in terms the appropriateness of technology supported activities is leading to the wide spread adoption of CAQDAS for this phase of the research process (Thompson, 2002, What Computers Can and Cannot Do in Qualitative Data Analysis section, ¶ 6; Roberts, 2002, Computers in Qualitative Analysis ¶ 6;)
       Using technology to manage data isn’t limited to specific CAQDAS applications, but rather, can be done by a variety of widely available software like Microsoft Word, Access, and even Excel.  Furthermore, distinguishing between mechanical and conceptual tasks enables researchers to agree that the conceptual aspects of data analysis and interpretation are uniquely human activities that cannot and nor should they be done by computers (Gibbs, 2002, Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS) section ¶ 2).

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