To begin analyzing the data, the research uses the search function of the program. In this hypothetical study, one might begin by locating all cases that contain the code “mother pressured” or “father pressured.” This process is similar to con ducting a computerized literature search by entering combinations of key words. By using these code joined by the key term “OR,” a subset of all cases where parental pressure was indicated can be identified. This group of files was indicated can be identified. This group of files could then be saved for further analysis. Having selected a subset of cases based on one or more code, the program can produce a report with whatever information the researcher wisher: the individual’s name, the name given to various codes, the frequency of use of various codes, and which source material the data were taken from.
Most CAQDA software programs store the codes for a given case in a special file, sometimes called an “index card.” “When done coding the material foe one case, the index card computer file contains all the codes that the researcher used for all the materials pertaining to that individual. Thus, the computer program follows a logical procedure that is much like the traditional practice of manually preparing note card for cross-referencing cases. To help with coding, the program provides a code list containing all the codes used thus far for all cases in the study. Some programs can also “autocode,” which means to give the same code to all identical word or phrases in a document. You can also store information about each case or individual in the study, such as age, gender, or whatever else case is available in the data. In addition, the software will allow the user to give more than one code to a given segment of text. You can also revise the coding scheme in a variety of ways. For example, you can create different levels of codes. If a number of codes all share something in common, they can be grouped under a higher-level or more abstract code. The program retains all levels of coding, and the data can be retrieved using any level of code. Or you can go the opposite way: A single coding category can be elaborated into a series of more specific or concrete categories.