Researching academic genres, language, and discourse with computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software

Abstract

This paper introduces the capabilities of computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) and investigates the advantages of using two particular packages like ATLAS.ti and NVivo for the analysis of qualitative data in the language-, genre- and discourse-related studies featuring in academic settings. It then explores and discusses scholarly articles in the field of English for specific and academic purposes that were published in five renowned journals and employed these two software packages. The analysis of these studies contributes to mapping the main features of computer assisted qualitative research in the field and reveals that the research of the language, discourse and genres that occur in academic settings can be efficiently supported and successfully enhanced by current software.