ABSTRACT
In 1984, a collection of papers in Qualitative Sociology described the "sate of the art" in computer use for qualitative research. This chapter examines developments since 1984. Qualitative analysts have been reluctant to accept computers and are insufficiently acquainted with special analysis software. Early in 1984 an entire issue of the journal Qualitative Sociology was devoted to "Computers and Qualitative Data." The editors of Qualitative Sociology expected that the mechanical aspects of the analysis process would become less time and energy consuming. The chapter deals exclusively with the intriguing process of qualitative data analysis, omitting simpler computer uses such as storage of data or data gathering. Database managers and word processors were the earliest general-use software that was adapted to research work by pioneering qualitative analysts. Although progress in software use for qualitative analysis has been slow by certain standards, it has not been totally lacking. Progress in applying computer use to qualitative research has been slower than anticipated.
