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AnSWR:  Analysis Software for Word-Based Records

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/software/answr.htm

Although we would not recommend this software, we have included information about it here. Perhaps you might have better luck with it!


Why use AnSWR?

AnSWR is free IBM compatible QDA software (freeware) offered by the CDC.  According to the CDC, this software has a lot to offer:

  1. It's free
  2. Data files may be added at any time
  3. Additional codes may added at any time
  4. It's free
  5. New sources may be added at any time
  6. It is adaptable for either large team-based projects or small scale projects
  7. It allows for the integration of both qualitative and quantitative data
  8. It's free

Also, CDC states that AnSWR has been designed to meet the following QDA needs:

  • Coordination of team-based qualitative data analysis
  • Management of large, complex qualitative databases
  • Fully integrated quantitative data components
  • Structured codebook development
  • Hierarchical coding structures
  • Text coding
  • Intercoder agreement assessments, including kappa
  • Flexible reporting options with multiple selection criteria (files, codes, coders, quantitative variables)
  • Output formats that facilitate import into both quantitative and qualitative programs

The Design:

AnSWR was designed with a systems approach in mind, to aid in large scale collaborative endeavors.  Data is stored in Microsoft Access relational tables allowing data interconnectivity to "who" and "how" relationships.  Data can then be characterized by particular features involved in interpretation.

Data is characterized by four fundamental elements (as outlined in Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods):

  1. Source data structure - characteristics of the source where information is sought
  2. Primary object data structure - primary information or objects collected from the sources
  3. Secondary object data structure - secondary information or objects created to aid in the interpretation of primary objects
  4. Coder data structure - characteristics of the coders who construct the secondary objects