Becaused we are convinced that the research question should drive the research methods rather than the other way around, the development of MAXQDA, while first and foremost a program for qualitative data analysis, has always focused on integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods. In recent years, one can see how important this methods discussion has become as words like “mixed methods” and “method triangulation” have become more and more common in academic discussions.

Both quantitative and qualitative methods are fundamental for analyzing social reality, and in our opinion, a software tool should allow for a seamless connection between both empirical approaches.

In addition to the mixed methods functions already available in previous versions, MAXQDA 10 includes the following new functions:

 
Data matrices and the new code variables can now be imported and exported in Excel format. It is also possible to export the content of many MAXQDA windows in Excel format. These include: the list of variables, the overview of coded segments, the list of memos, the Code System, the word frequency results, the timestamp table, and search results. It is also possible to export your Code Matrix Browser and Code Relations Browser to Excel.

Stay tuned: the further development of Excel functionality is in the works, and it will all be included in the free upgrades for MAXQDA 10!

Here is a list of the newly-released mixed methods features. Take note of the new drop-down menu in the MAXQDA menu bar called “Mixed methods”. It offers you quick access to the new functions as well as a description of each feature.

 
MAXQDA 10 makes it possible not just to assign variables to a document, but to individual codes. This allows you, for example, to assign different variables to each speaker in a group discussion, which might be transcribed in a single document. You can then differentiate, for example, between what women and men said in the discussion.

You can now see what was said about a certain topic in a Word file table that splits the text segments up according to the group that made the statements. You can compare, for example, what youth said about climate change compared to adults or seniors.

This feature allows you to identify types in the qualitative material and compare them according to selected quantitative information! You could find out, for example, whether those in the typology “optimists” tend to be older and live in smaller towns that the “pessimists”.

The Crosstabs function allows you to compare the number of coded text segments according to selected groups. Use the Crosstabs function and the optional row or column percentages to find out, for example, whether older business owners talk about the financial crisis more often than the younger business owners.

A detailed description of all mixed methods functions, written by MAXQDA developer Dr. Udo Kuckartz, can be found here.