QualCoder

QualCoder is a free and open-source, qualitative data analysis software designed by Colin Curtain from the University of Tasmania. It allows for qualitative data analysis of text, images, audio, and video. It handles many file formats and was included, with Taguette, into outstanding free qualitative data analysis software.Mateo, C. L. GUÍA PRÁCTICA PARA LA ORGANIZACIÓN Y SISTEMATIZACIÓN DE INFORMACIÓN. ETNOGRAFÍAS DESDE EL REFLEJO: PRÁCTICA-APRENDIZAJE, 357. QualCoder is based on Python programming language and is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is inspired by and draws from the RQDA R package.
QualCoder was discussed in the in-depth manner in the article published in American Journal of Qualitative Research. The article presented the process of textual coding using the software. The authors of analysis concluded that "By using QualCoder, the researcher utilizes a dependable, efficient, and easily accessible tool to work with coding without losing transparency, rigor, and depth in the process".
A number of university libraries recognized the QualCoder in their research guides, including the New Your University Libraries, the University of Washington Health Sciences Library, The University of Illinois Library, George Mason University Libraries, and University of the Free State Library, as well as the East Tennessee University Research Computing Services.
==Overview and functionalities==
QualCoder is sometimes described as Python alternative to RQDA, however, it provides more options related to image, audio, and video analysis. 
The QualCoder functionalities include, e.g.Schmidt, G. (2022). Uma ferramenta web de apoio ao processo de análise qualitativa.Doherty, L. (2021). Transnational long-term learners of Chinese as peer mentors: language socialization, online learning, and identity (Doctoral dissertation, University of British Columbia).:
* text coding,
* image coding,
* audio coding,
* video coding,
* creating of cases,
* creating of attributes,
* writing memos,
* writing journal notes,
* coding reports,
* node graph creation,
* file and code summaries,
* coding comparison,
* code relations analysis,
* code frequencies analysis,
* code comparison by file,
* generation of charts,
* SQL statements,
* merging projects,
* importing surveys.
QualCoder uses the SQLite data structure. It implemented exportation and importation of codebook through the REFI-QDA format. It also implemented export and import of whole research project through this format, however, it was not fully tested. It also supports manipulations to the graph and export the Results matrix. 
==Research use==
QualCoder was used in a number of research published in peer-reviewed journals, including research on Functional Communities, mental health services, self-adaptive systems, English language learners’ communicative repertoires, populist discourse, and pharmacists experience. It is also used in the developing of master's theses and PhD dissertationsDoherty, L. (2021). Transnational long-term learners of Chinese as peer mentors: language socialization, online learning, and identity (Doctoral dissertation, University of British Columbia).Izlar, D. J. (2021). " If We Just Plant the Seed": Community Technology Centers, Community Organization, and Ecosocial Justice (Doctoral dissertation, University of Georgia).. 
Strengths of QualCoder include that it is free to use and therefore available to researchers with limited funding, while still being more advanced in functionality compared to other free open-source CAQDAS such as Taguette. A weakness is the lack of online collaboration options since QualCoder is only available as a desktop application.
Category:Data analysis software
Category:QDA software
Category:Free and open-source software
Category:2023 software