Computational Support of the Qualitative Research Process
A database of text and graphics about the courseware projects was constructed in HyperCard. The database of vignettes from interviews and publications were reviewed, and key themes were noted. The cumulative data distribution reflected in the Cumulative Data Distribution Table was designed to reflect both the number of passages from interviews that were transcribed and entered into the database to be used in the development of theory, and the number that were actually approved for inclusion in this public document.
Accumulated notes were also used to help guide the ongoing research process. As more vignettes were collected and reviewed, the notes became more and more systematic, until they eventually were refined into coding schemes. A second expanding catalog was constructed based upon the emerging coding scheme, and the database of vignettes was cross-referenced to the catalog of key themes to provide easy access to the data organized around the key recurring themes. The researcher used this system to explore and analyze relationships between key issues or recurring themes discussed by different participants in different settings. The final product of this became a database of vignettes, references and annotated conversations about key themes and problems which were established by experience. The computer was also used to record an outline history of staffing and funding activity on production efforts in general, who did what- what kinds of skills, how long and with how much money.