ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of the book. The book describes the uses for which qualitative software might be employed, and relates these to software facilities. The only 'state of the art' sought here is excellence in the reflective use of new tools to analyze qualitative data, and what is of interest is not new software facilities but rather reflective accounts of the shaping effects, both positive and negative, of the integration of computing into qualitative research. The increasing use of qualitative software is likely, however, to bring benefits in terms of academic discussion of the methodology. The market for successful publishing of methodological discussion is notoriously small, and any increase arising from the use of new technologies is a welcome addition. In terms of specific facilities on the horizon, visual displays of concepts are certainly high on the agenda.
