I am still in
quest for finding the appropriate technological tool for my own research. Last
week, I found a chance to explore some aspects of Nvivo, and this week I will
be introduced to Atlas.ti. On one hand, learning technological tools for
qualitative research requires time, effort and energy, however on the other hand
through technological research tools researchers spend less time, energy and put
less effort to finish their study. CAQDAS tools facilitate the task of
researchers helping them to organize their research process. Building upon
(2008) ideas, Paulus et.al. note that “ One
of the most obvious benefits of using software is that can serve as the ‘
textual laboratory’ “ ( p. 121). I love this statement and am quite agree with
them.
CAQDAS packages
provide a site in which researchers are able to put all related research
materials together including annotated articles, written notes, recordings, videos,
conceptual map and so on. When we open the package, we find the research materials in one place and can easily make connection among them. The other
important issue CAQDAS offer is that researchers can easily follow their
research process, so that they will keep them on track to finish the research
project. Therefore, I believe that it is worth spending time to learn CAQDAS packages.
Yes and yes! This is the power of a CAQDAS package. While no package is perfect, the benefit is that you are able to create a "textual" account of ALL of your decisions (every last thought!). This is something that supports us in creating an extensive audit trail and documenting are decision-making process. Inherently, then, it is an explicit support of your reflexive practice.
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