DRS Distinguishing Features and Functions

This document is intended to be read in conjunction with the ‘Choosing a CAQDAS Package Working Paper’ which provides a more general commentary of common CAQDAS functionality. This document does not provide an exhaustive account of all the features and functions provided by DRS but is designed to highlight some of its distinguishing elements. The Comment section at the end details our opinions on certain aspects of functionality and usability. See also Lewins & Silver (2007) Using Software in Qualitative Research: A Step-by-Step Guide, Sage Publications and software developer website.

Important note: DRS is different from most of the other CAQDAS tools reviewed here as it is one outcome of an ongoing research project. It should therefore be seen as work in progress rather than a finished or commercial software product. DRS is however, a methodologically innovative software which addresses analytical requirements which other tools do not address. It is freely downloadable and if you do decide to give it a try the developers will be interested to hear of your experiences and will be responsive to your feedback. See our Comments at the end of this review for more info on potential implications of using DRS.