本文旨在探討應用電腦軟體於質性資料分析的相關議題。研究方法論的思惟會影響資料分析的程序，而資料分析是研究者必須展現「信效度」的所在。質性資料分析軟體是研究者所操弄的工具，資料分析的結果必須能提供良好的論點與證據，同時展現分析的過程是嚴謹的、易於溝通的。是故本文除了探討質性資料分析軟體的本身功能外，亦將視野擴大到「上游的」方法論及「下游的」信效度議題。首先介紹質性資料分析的方法論與分析程序，次論質性資料分析的信效度議題，以及質性資料分析電腦軟體功能概要及其優勢與限制。盼能作爲日後運用軟體分析質性資料的研究者參考與借鏡。

There has been a proliferation of computer software packages designed to facilitate qualitative data analysis. Unlike quantitative studies, rigid formulae do not exist for writing-up qualitative projects. Most researchers, however, agree that transparency is essential when communicating the findings of qualitative research. The use of CAQDAS can help researchers reach better reliability and validity. The programs vary enormously in the extent to which they can facilitate the diverse analytical processes involved. The decision to use computer software to aid analysis in a particular project may be influenced by a number of factors, such as the nature of the data and the researcher's preferred approach to data analysis that will have certain epistemological and ontological assumptions as its basis. When using computer software, researchers need to consider carefully the possible consequences of their decision and to be aware that the use of such programs can alter the nature of the analytical process in unexpected and perhaps unwanted ways.