The Logical Structure of Data in ATLAS.ti and its Advantage for Grounded Theory Studies

Abstract

Qualitative data analysis software is quite similar regarding the fundamental steps and procedures of data analysis, but the way in which the results of the analysis are stored is different. This article focuses on the fit of grounded theory methodology (GTM) and a network-like storage, as is used in ATLAS.ti. Using data from an ongoing research study as an example, a description is provided of how the analytical steps of GTM are implemented in ATLAS.ti and how results are stored as a net of nodes. This code net represents the developed "grounded theory" as structured conceptualized information. Exported as an XML file the code net can be used in other applications by other researchers. This has the potential to support data quality and scientific cooperation between qualitative researchers. URN: http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs1101325