Generating theory and evidence from qualitative computerised software

There are now several propriety graphical user interface (GUI) software applications for managing and analysing data collected in qualitative studies. Examples of some of the most popular packages include Atlas/Ti, Ethnograph, QUALPRO, QSR NVIVO and QSR NUD*IST. At the present time, the development of new programs, along with the appearance of updated versions of existing software, shows little sign of abating. With each new product, the level of sophistication and functions available within a given computer program claim to assist the qualitative researcher to an even greater extent. However, while the computer software currently available undoubtedly facilitates systematic management and analysis of qualitative data, it should be remembered that (for the time being at least) it does not take over the role of the researcher as critical reviewer and analyst (Burnard 1994). It is perhaps best to think of qualitative computer programs as tools to be utilised during the analytical process, and not as something that ‘controls’ either the researcher or data analysis. Many of the software packages in use today appear to adopt different conventions and algorithms to manage and handle qualitative data, however, fundamentally, many have similar analytical principles in common. Indeed, while some programs were designed specifically with a particular tradition in mind (e.g. Ethnograph for ethnography, QSR NUD*IST for grounded theory), most do not claim to be limited in their use by a specific research approach. The conceptual difference with a number of packages is that they simply give priority to