WEAKNESSES OF CAQDA SYSTEM

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The use of qualitative analysis software has become extremely popular over the recent years.
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CAQDAS capabilities must not be overestimated, since computers are still unable to perform
an independent rational process.
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Researchers use CAQDAS packages fall into 3 groups-
1. Those who advocate the use of CAQDAS.
2. Those who are concerned about or criticise its role and impact and therefore resist its uses
3. those who are unaware of the existence of dedicated software.
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Key challenges include-
1. how can we transcend polarizing discourses in order that the qualitative research
community does not become fractured
2. how we will respond to continued technological and methodological developments on our
field
3. how can we adequately equip researchers to make informed choices between and within
technologies.
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 DISADVANTAGES
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It includes heavy emphasis on coding as a distractor from analysis
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CAQDAS packages are very complex; need a lot of time and effort to
get to know the particular features and functions.
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Concerns include increasingly deterministic and rigid process,
privileging of coding and retrieval methods, reification of data,
increased pressure on researchers to focus on volume and breadth
rather than on depth and meaning, increased commercialism and
distraction from the real work of analysis.
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With so many available programs a researcher may have trouble in
selecting which program to utilize and which analytical approach to
choose.
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CAQDAS can only function on the mechanical aspects of doing
qualitative data, it can only analyze textual data.
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The issue of ownership of the data is said to be at stake in using
computer software.
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Alarmingly, some researchers developed too much reliance of the
software which prevented them in learning the fundamental skills in
qualitative researchers. It may lead to fracturing the data and loosing its
meaning.
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It is just a tool, a good qualitative analysis still relies on careful
analytical human researcher.
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Majority of the CAQDAS functions are intended for pattern analysis
based on simple codes that correspond to principles of grounded theory.
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CAQDAS lack full recognition from practitioners and authors of
guidebooks in qualitative research.
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There is also issue of cost and commercialization.
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 CONCLUSION
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There is a very expansive improvement in the way qualitative research analysis was
done; from the traditional paper-and-pencil coding to the capacity of analyzing
videos, audio and photographic data. Indeed, CAQDAS has introduced advantageous,
easy, practical and efficient manner to deal with qualitative data.
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However, the utilization of computer software packages in qualitative researches is
still fairly new, so as learning CAQDAS functions and operations.
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Evidently, authors have identified important issues and concerns in using computer
software packages. In the desire to make qualitative research a speedy process,
researchers must not sacrifice the trustworthiness, validity and reliability of their data.
Not all agree to the advantages of CAQDAS, some remains to be ambivalent about
the convenience it may bring. Whereas, for experts, CAQDAS is still an extra add on
in the rigorous qualitative methodologies existing.
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In conclusion, there can be no best CAQDAS for they generally have their downfalls.
Some considerations whether to use a computer software or not should be addressed
first by a researchers, especially among the novice one.
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