An ethnographer selects Ethnograph, a software program to analyze data obtained from client interviews. Which of the following is a potential disadvantage of using software for qualitative research?
A)Data must be sorted manually into subsets for future analysis.
B)Research may be molded to fit the software program.
C)The researcher must input data separately for the best analysis.
D)There is less available time for data analysis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential disadvantage of using software for qualitative research is that research may be molded to fit the software program. Depending on the software program chosen, it may limit the types of data that can be analyzed and may influence the way the data is interpreted. This can lead to biased results and limit the depth of analysis. However, options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect potential disadvantages of using software for qualitative research.

An Ethnographer Selects Ethnograph, a Software Program to Analyze Data