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Theory Building in Qualitative Research and Computer Programs for the Management of Textual Data

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  • U. Kelle

Abstract

This article refers to recent debates about the potential methodological costs and benefits of computer use in qualitative research and about the relationship between methodological approaches (eg. ‘Grounded Theory’) on the one hand and computer-aided methods of qualitative research on the other. It is argued that the connection between certain computer-aided strategies and methodological approaches is far more loose than is often assumed. Furthermore, the danger of methodological biases and distortion arising from the use of certain software packages is overemphasized in current discussions, as far as basic tasks of textual data management (‘coding and retrieval’) usually performed by this software are concerned. However, with the development of more advanced and complex coding and retrieval techniques, which are regarded by some authors as tools for ‘theory building’ in qualitative research, methodological confusion may arise if basic prerequisites of qualitative theory building are not taken into consideration. Therefore, certain aspects of qualitative theory building which are relevant for computer aided methods of textual data management are discussed in the paper.

Suggested Citation

  • U. Kelle, 1997. "Theory Building in Qualitative Research and Computer Programs for the Management of Textual Data," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 2(2), pages 10-22, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:2:y:1997:i:2:p:10-22
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.86
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jennifer Platt, 1996. "Has Funding Made a Difference to Research Methods?," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 1(1), pages 69-79, March.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Münch, Christopher & Marx, Emanuel & Benz, Lukas & Hartmann, Evi & Matzner, Martin, 2022. "Capabilities of digital servitization: Evidence from the socio-technical systems theory," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    3. Brett Anthony White & John Dumay, 2020. "The angel investment decision: insights from Australian business angels," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 60(3), pages 3133-3162, September.
    4. Madden, Sue & Sim, Julius, 2006. "Creating meaning in fibromyalgia syndrome," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(11), pages 2962-2973, December.
    5. Neringa Kalpokas & Ivana Radivojevic, 2022. "Bridging the Gap Between Methodology and Qualitative Data Analysis Software: A Practical Guide for Educators and Qualitative Researchers," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 27(2), pages 313-341, June.
    6. Rudolf R. Sinkovics & Elfriede Penz & Pervez N. Ghauri, 2008. "Enhancing the Trustworthiness of Qualitative Research in International Business," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 48(6), pages 689-714, December.
    7. Marcello Nonnis & Mirian Agus & Gianmarco Frau & Antonio Urban & Claudio Giovanni Cortese, 2023. "Job Seekers’ Burnout and Engagement: A Qualitative Study of Long-Term Unemployment in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-14, May.
    8. Marcello Nonnis & Mirian Agus & Monica Piera Pirrone & Stefania Cuccu & Maria Luisa Pedditzi & Claudio Giovanni Cortese, 2021. "Burnout and Engagement Dimensions in the Reception System of Illegal Immigration in the Mediterranean Sea. A Qualitative Study on a Sample of Italian Practitioners," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-16, April.
    9. Marcello Nonnis & Monica Piera Pirrone & Stefania Cuccu & Mirian Agus & Maria Luisa Pedditzi & Claudio Giovanni Cortese, 2020. "Burnout Syndrome in Reception Systems for Illegal Immigrants in the Mediterranean. A Quantitative and Qualitative Study of Italian Practitioners," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-23, June.
    10. Rudolf R. Sinkovics & Eva A. Alfoldi, 2012. "Progressive Focusing and Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 52(6), pages 817-845, December.

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