Dainty, A R J; Bagilhole, B M and Neale, R H (2000) Computer aided analysis of qualitative data in construction management research. Building Research & Information, 28(4), pp. 226-233. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
Historically, most published research in construction management topics has been based on quantitative methods. Recent debate within the construction management research community has focused concerns on the appropriateness of quantitative methods for investigation into social aspects of the subject. In this paper, two contributory factors behind the historical reliance on quantitative or positivist methods are addressed: the practical difficulties in analysing large amounts of unstructured data within sensible time-scales; and wider issues concerning the perceived rigour, depth of understanding, consistency and methodological transparency of qualitative analytical techniques. An interesting new dimension to qualitative research methodologies is the use of computer software to aid the textual analysis of ethnographic data. This paper is a reflexive example of the use of a computer-aided method in the analysis of a 'Grounded Theory' study, within industrial organizations with commercial objectives. It is concluded that, whilst computer aided analysis does not provide a definitive solution to the wider acceptance of qualitative research methods in the field, it offers considerable potential for construction management research projects which are undertaken within defined time and resource constraints.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | computer aided analysis; grounded theory; nudist™; qualitative research; reflexivity |
| Index terms: | unstructured data, grounded theory, qualitative research method, contributory factor, management research, industrial organization, reflexivity, dimension, social aspect, transparency, qualitative research, methodology, investigation, quantitative method, resource constraint |
| Subjects: | data science, data analysis and analytics, health monitoring assessment and metrics, operations management, data collection methods, risk assessment, research design and methodology, industry analysis, research paradigm research concept, sociology, professional development, theoretical framing, research methods |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Information Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Risk Management, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here