[ review of qualitative research and current data analysis software]

ABSTRACT

Currently, qualitative research, because of its explanatory and semantic findings, has become popular. There is a growing literature on qualitative research motivating researchers on topics like live experiences, excitements and feelings, social motions, interactions between men and societies, causes, emergence and degeneration of phenomena to investigate. Thus, the required tools for this kind of research are extending in number every day. This study was conducted on qualitative research and its data analysis software by a literature review. Principles of qualitative research were explained by experts' ideas and qualitative research approach in functional areas including librarianship and information sciences. Principles of qualitative research were also explained concerning software applications. Finally, some of the most applicable software for qualitative data analysis was introduced in details. Qualitative research follows men and phenomena in their natural environment, and its findings are explanatory in nature. Moreover, there is no standard research method, or any definite method of analysis. The findings suggest that it is necessary to use standard tools for data processing in qualitative research as there is the likelihood that the results be invalid and blended with personal judgments. Although the software does not deliver standard methods for data analysis, it may control different stages of research including information collection, data classification and report generation which would eventually improve the status quo