Abstract
Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) was developed for the purpose of creating efficient modes of qualitative data analysis (CitationFielding & Lee, 1998). Despite these developments, many social scientists continue to advocate manual data analysis techniques (CitationHammersley & Atkinson, 1995). Given the rapid development of computerized methods of data analysis amid the continued call for the use of naturalistic inquiry in sport psychology research, the aim of this research note was to compare manual and computerized data analysis techniques. Results highlight the advantages, disadvantages, and commonly held assumptions of the use of CAQDAS.
Notes
*All data analysis procedures, manual and electronic, were conducted through the cognitive and analytic processes of the first author. Resultant findings were not the product of automatic electronic data analysis procedures offered by QSR*NVIVO 7.
The authors believe that their use of QSR*NVIVO 7 as a software package warrants further discussion.The authors’ rationale for choosing this package was grounded in their personal exposure to the software, the newness of the software package at the time of the investigation, and because previous researchers in sport psychology have used earlier forms of this package (e.g., NUD.IST, NVIVO) in previous qualitative studies (CitationBamber, Cockerill, Rodgers, & Carroll, 2000; CitationCôté, 1999). It is also important to note that the researchers did not have an affiliation with the software producer.
A node is the term QSR*NVIVO 7 uses to describe a simple code.