MAXQDA

MAXQDA

Developer(s)	VERBI GmbH
Initial release	1995
Stable release	11 (Win, Release 11.0.6; Mac, Release 11.0.0) / 14 February 2014 (2014-02-14)[1]
Operating system	Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
Available in	Multilingual (15)
Type	Qualitative Data Analysis Qualitative Research
License	Proprietary software
Website	www.maxqda.com

MAXQDA is a software program designed for computer-assisted qualitative and mixed methods data, text and multimedia analysis in academic, scientific, and business institutions. It is the successor of winMAX, which was first made available in 1989. It is being developed and distributed by VERBI Software based in Berlin, Germany.

Unlike most other CAQDAS, MAXQDA was not developed on the background of Grounded Theory.^[2] Instead the software is designed for both qualitative, quantitative research and (mixed methods research). The emphasis on going beyond qualitative research can be observed in the extensive attributes function (called variables in the programme itself) and the ability of the programme to deal relatively quickly with larger numbers of interviews^[3]

Products

The basic version of MAXQDA contains the graphics tool MAXMaps as a fully integrated component. MAXQDAplus is the extended version, which includes the add-on software MAXDictio for quantitative lexical analysis. In the end of 2012 MAXQDA 11 was published. A native Mac version on MAXQDA 11 was released in February 2014. MAXQDA 11 offers versatile innovations. The new emoticode feature allows, for example trans-verbal encoding: This means that you can choose from more than 300 different icons to encode complex information as a visual metaphor. Moreover, the first QDA smartphone application was released, called MAXApp, which is a free mobile application that includes some of the core functions of MAXQDA.^[4]

History

After multiple years of development the first PC program version for DOS is released under the name MAX. In 1994 the third version was released: winMAX an so it switches from DOS to the more user-friendly Windows platform. In 2001 the sixth version was released: MAXqda – this new version brings, aside from considerable extensions, the change to the .rtf format and the change of the program’s name. In 2004 MAXqda 2 was published. with this version MAXQDA offers, for the first time, sophisticated Visual Tools for data presentation: the Code-Matrix-Browser and the Code-Relations-Browser. Furthermore, there are numerous export functions for HTML format available. MAXQDA 2007 is released in 2007: Aside from considerable extensions, this version offers some innovative possibilities for visualization. The Document-Portrait, Codeline and Document-Comparison-Chart offer new insight into the data and provide the researcher with exciting potential for methodological innovation. The MAXQDA Visual Tools are second to none within the spectrum of QDA Software. In the year 2010 MAXQDA 10 boasted a fresh new design and a myriad of new functions. With MAXQDA 10, you can import Word documents, PDFs, and image files as well as integrating audio and video files. The new version offers new options such as resizable PDF document display, color display of coded segments, visualizations of word counts in tag clouds, ad-hoc search functionality in all four main windows, optimized geolinking, and improved memo management. In 2012 MAXQDA 11 is released: Further amplifying the possibilites of research, MAXQDA 11 adds over thirty new features and makes the user experience even more streamlined. Now, widescreen-optimized screen layout options and hierarchical administrator rights simplify the user interface, Excel tables, video files, and audio recordings can be directly imported into the Document Browser, and automatically-published smart reports and reference toolbar integration steers your research from start to finish. Expanded visual and statistical tools further your options for mixed methods research, while a new retrieval manager and summary grid widens your analytical possibilites. MAXQDA 11 also features the exciting option to code with symbols instead of words, transcending linguisitc boundaries with over 300 emoticodes and enabling more efficient field work, analysis, and visual understanding. Also in 2012, the free MAXApp is released for iOS devices. It complements MAXQDA and is intended to facilitate field work research. An Android version of MAXApp is currently being developed.^[5]

MAXQDA belongs to a group of QDA software programs which revolutionized the field of data analysis. VERBI Software released MAXQDA for Mac in February 2014. MAXQDA earned positive reputation as an analysis tool, and has become one of the leading QDA software packages.^[6]

Features of MAXQDA 11

• Teamwork function allows one to create a detailed protocol of all operations performed by each team member
• All data is stored in one .mx5 (Windows) or .mx11 file (Mac)
• Text retrieval tool fx manager offers complex retrieval functions.
• Memos can be used to document all ideas and insights that come up while working on the text and can be easily organized with the Memo System
• MAXMaps and other program functions, like the Document Portrait, the Code-Matrix-Browser, the Code-Relations-Browser, the Codeliner and the Document Comparison Chart offer a wide range of options for data visualization
• User-defined variables can be set, edited in crosstabs and exported to SPSS and Excel
• Lexical search and functions of quantitative analysis with add-on MAXDicto
• Transcription and synchronisation of text documents, audio and video files
• Internal program media player
• Import and coding of PDF and graphic files
• Georeferencing
• Summary Grid – Thematic Code Summaries
• emoticode – Code with Emoticons and Symbols
• Powerful Multimedia Features – Analyze Audio and Video without Transcript
• Literature Connection – Analyze Your Literature
• Smart Publisher – Professional Report Generator
• Statistics and Graphics – Create Frequency Tables and Charts
• Widescreen Layout – Optimized Window Management
• MAXQDA Mobile App – Extend the Possibilities for Your Research
• Admin System – User Management for Projects
• Tables as Documents – A New Document Type
• Coding Query – New Retrieval Manager
• New Mixed Methods Features – Focus on Mixed Methods^[7]

See also

• Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software

Literature

• Juliet Corbin and Anselm Strauss: Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory, 3rd edition, 2008, Sage Publications, Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore
• Ann Lewins and Christina Silver: Using Software in Qualitative Research: A Step-by-Step Guide, 2007, Sage Publications, Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore

References

External links

• Official website