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Avery, L.M., Meyer, D.Z. (2009). Excel as a Qualitative Data Analysis Tool. Field Methods 21.1, 91–112.

Qualitative research seeks to examine the interconnections in rich, complex data sources. The statistical tools of quantitative methods separate out pieces of data in a manner that defeats the purpose. But, like quantitative researchers, qualitative researchers often still find themselves overwhelmed by the amount of data and equally in need of tools to extend their human senses. This has led the development of a number of software packages designed for this purpose. An often overlooked option, however, is Microsoft Excel. Excel is generally considered a number cruncher. However, its structure and data manipulation and display features can be utilized for qualitative analysis. In this article, the authors discuss data preparation, analysis, and presentation, including discussion of lesser known features of Excel.

La Pelle, N. (2004) Simplifying Qualitative Data Analysis Using General Purpose Software Tools. Field Methods 16.1: 85–108.

This article shows how clever but simple use of word-processing functions can provide many features of special-purpose software designed for analyzing text. For many qualitative research projects, and for students who are learning computerassisted analysis of text, the Microsoft Word functions outlined here may be all that are required. Examples are given showing how Microsoft Word can be used for coding and retrieving, semiautomated coding and inspection, creating hierarchies of code categories via indexing, global editing of theme codes, coding of “face-sheet” data, exploring relationships between face-sheet codes and conceptual codes, quantifying the frequency of code instances, and annotating text. The techniques outlined can be used for analyzing and managing many kinds of data, including key informant interviews, focus groups, document and literature reviews, and open-ended survey questions.