Computer-Based Analysis of Qualitative Data: MAXQDA 2007

Conceptual Overview and Discussion

MAXQDA 2007 saves all study documents into a file called a “project.” In a project, all files are combined into one data file with the file extension “.mx3.” To begin a project, a file name is entered and saved in the desired location, and then all relevant study documents are imported into the project. This system design is described as an “internal database” because all documents are kept together within the program, as compared to an “external database” in which a program connects to data files located outside of its software.

Documents imported into MAXQDA are text based and must be saved in rich text format (file extension of “.rtf”). If an object such as a bitmap picture is embedded in a text file, it will be seen only if a specific option in the software is chosen prior to importing the file. However, MAXQDA's coding capabilities of nontext-based objects is limited (ATLAS.ti can analyze data in graphic or pictorial format).

Once a project's name is saved, the MAXQDA screen appears, with four windows on the screen. The four windows are the program's default inter-face; however, any window can be closed and reopened when desired. The upper left quadrant is called the document system. This window shows the files that have been imported into a project. Given that case study research can involve multiple data sources to analyze a unit of analysis, this system may be particularly helpful because different categories of files, called text groups, can be created. For example, there may be a section or text group for in-depth interviews, another text group for newspaper archives, and a third text group for an organization's internal documents.

The upper right-hand quadrant is called the text browser. The text browser shows one text file or document (e.g., a transcript) at a time. In this window, codes and memos are attached to segments of text. The text can also be edited if necessary (note: changes made anywhere in the program are automatically saved). A text file is opened by going to the document system window and right-clicking on [Page 191]its name. Right-clicking opens up a new window, and choosing “open text” results in the text appearing in the text browser window. Within this window, two empty columns will appear to the left of the text. One column is for assigning codes to text segments; the other column is for creating memos.

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