In this article I will explore the positive and negative sides of using Dedoose, a qualitative and mixed method data analysis software, focusing on its performance with qualitative data, based on my own experience using Dedoose for two qualitative research projects in the field of linguistics.
So, let´s get started!
Pros
1. User-friendly
If you`ve ever used a data analysis software before for your research, you can surely agree that when it comes to aesthetics, it seems as if the creators didn´t pay a lot of attention to the end-user of the product. Just think of statistical analysis environment such as R, that can seem too confusing for novice researchers. In this department, Dedoose excels by offering a user-friendly interface including an overview of all activity done in Deodoose on the front page, paired with a detailed user guide that can be found on their website https://www.dedoose.com/userguide.
1.1. Data Import & Export
One of the highlights, in my opinion, is the ease with which Dedoose allows data to be imported and the variety of formats the software supports. Thanks to these features, I was able to import large amounts of texts and pictures in a matter of seconds, not having to worry about having to exclude the visual data from my data set, and conveniently export the finished analysis in a form of an excel spreadsheet.
1.2. Code Descriptions & Code Management
When qualitatively coding large amounts of text, it can become difficult to keep track of the codes assigned to different excerpts. To prevent this from happening, Dedoose allows for the researcher to create a description of each code created. This feature is extremely useful since it isn´t unusual to forget the purpose of a code during the data analysis process. Additionally, one can neatly organize codes into parent, child, and grandchild codes, according to their importance, and move them up, or down as many times as you see fit. Dedoose also offers an option to delete a code. However, this action cannot be undone.
2. Team-oriented
As emphasized many times by the creators of Dedoose, this data analysis software enables users to work on a project collaboratively — without having actually to be in one physical place. Now,this would be a huge advantage for anyone working on a team research project, regardless if you are a student working on a group assignment, or an experienced researcher. This is so because it can be surprisingly difficult to arrange team meetings to take place in person — whether it be due to other engagements of the team members, or their physical distance. In any case, it is great that Dedoose clearly understood the researchers´ needs and built a platform to suit their needs.
Cons
1. Laborious Excerpting Process
As in any qualitative textual analysis, tagging individual excepts requires lots of work, if one is working with large data sets, as was the case with my two projects. Unfortunately, this process may be even more strenuous if one decides to opt for Dedoose. Although the developers of Dedoose offered three different ways of excerpting, one being the Qucik Code Widget, I still found it to be extremely laborious for large data sets. Furthermore, I´ve experienced nerve-wrecking moments, when Dedoose would crash while I was tagging an excerpt. So, if you´re not used to experiencing similar issues with your software, maybe consider other options for qualitative data analysis.
2. Expensive in the Long Run
Of course, depending on what you perceive as expensive, you may or may not agree with my observation. However, considering I used Dedoose as a student, I found that the cost can be on the high side if it is used over a long period of time. Given that the monthly rate for an individual user is $14,95, the cost for a 6-months period amounts to $89,7. In comparison, the student rate for the same period for MAXQDA, another data analysis software, is $43. This simple math shows that if you are looking to commit to a project, for longer periods of time, there are other, more affordable options.
Conclusion
To conclude, Dedoose seems to shine when used for shorter projects, such as proseminar papers, or shorter collaborative projects since you will be unlikely to experience issues such as lagging, and the speed of excerpting should be okay. Furthermore, since the fees are paid monthly, you could save money by using it for a month, instead having to pay for a 6-months period for other data analysis software. However, I would advise against its use for longer projects, as I found it could waste both time and money.
