Computergestützte Kategorisierung verbaler Daten

Abstract

The paper gives an overview about most recent developments in computer-assisted techniques for the categorization and retrieval of unstructured verbal ("qualitative") data. These techniques allow the analyst to develop an organizing scheme for his or her data by defining linkages between the different elements of a qualitative data base: textsegments, codes and theoretical comments. These structures will offer possibilities for information retrieval which allow the systematic search for empirical evidence or counter evidence in the data. It is argued that the invention of computer-assisted methods represent a far-reaching methodological innovation for qualitative research by enhancing the rigour of the research process and the validity of its results.