Using computer programs to code qualitative data

Notes that, over the past decade, a number of computer programs have been designed to assist researchers in the analysis of qualitative data. Acknowledges that all programs will help to take some of the tedium out of the clerical tasks associated with qualitative data analysis and some programs can assist researchers in developing emerging concepts and theory. Explains briefly how programs can be employed in the coding process and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using them. Where relevant, also draws on the small but growing literature in this field.