Reporting the results of computer-assisted analysis of qualitative research data

This paper focuses on the interrelationship between the mechanical and conceptual aspects of qualitative data analysis. The first part of the paper outlines the support role a computer program, HyperQual2, plays in the mechanical analysis process. The second part of the paper argues that the most important aspect of analysis in any research endeavour is conceptual in nature. It provides a "snapshot" of the in-depth analysis of one interview protocol. The metaphor "snapshot" is apt because the intention is to capture the "essence" of the analysis process. Such a focused approach is one way of reporting and making transparent the qualitative research process. It can be used as a framework so that readers of the research are better able to judge the fidelity of the results of the final analysis.