ABSTRACT

The computer, particularly the personal computer (PC) desktop or laptop/portable has become a very useful aid for the researcher in recent years. A variety of computer-based statistical packages are available for the analysis of quantitative data. Packages such as MINITAB, SPSS and SAS cover most of the basic and more advanced requirements of researchers, and guides to their use are available from the manufacturers and commercial publishers. An alternative use of computers in research is in the processing of quantitative data. To do this effectively the researcher does need to think carefully about how the data is to be stored initially. Qualitative researchers have a particular requirement for word processing and prose analysis software. The computer can, however, only deliver what it is programmed to do. There is always the possibility of rubbish in, rubbish out. It is no substitute or ameliorative for a well-designed, well-planned and well-executed research project.