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Opening up open-ended survey data using qualitative software

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Abstract

This article considers the contribution that qualitative software can make to ‘opening up’ open-ended question (‘OEQ’) data from surveys. While integrating OEQ data with the analysis of fixed response items is a challenge, it is also an endeavour for which qualitative software offers considerable support. For survey researchers who wish to derive more analytic value from OEQ data, qualitative software can be a useful resource. We profile the systematic use of qualitative software for such purposes, and the procedures and practical considerations involved. The discussion is illustrated by examples derived from a survey dataset relating to environmental risk in the UK.

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Correspondence to Jane Fielding.

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Fielding, J., Fielding, N. & Hughes, G. Opening up open-ended survey data using qualitative software. Qual Quant 47, 3261–3276 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-012-9716-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-012-9716-1

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