A Microcomputer Management of Information System for Community-Based AIDS Prevention Ethnographic Team Research

Ethnographers working on community-based intervention projects increasingly face the task of collecting and analyzing large amounts of qualitative data. In addition, these data sometimes must be simultaneously gathered across diverse populations and at multiple locations. A cost-effective approach that addresses the difficulties in conducting this type of qualitative research is the use of an ethnographic team. Yet, the team concept requires sophisticated strategies for managing large volumes of unstructured textbased data. This article documents how the Houston Nalional AlDS Demonstration Research (NADR) project configured specific basic microcomputer technologesto asslst and enhance the management of ethnographic team research. Specifically, this system was a valuable and affordable tool to increase the speed, efficiency and rigor of data collection and analysis.