This text examines the central methodological and theoretical issues involved in using computers in qualitative research. International experts in the field discuss various strategies for computer-assisted qualitative analysis in a comprehensive manner. Topics covered include: strategies for building theories by employing networks of categories; means of evaluating hypotheses generated from qualitative data; and ways of integrating qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques. Questions addressed include: will the software employed "take over" the analysis?; can computers be used to improve reliability and validity?; and can computers make the research process more transparent and ensure a more systematic analysis? This text should be useful for researchers and graduate students across the social sciences who are engaged in qualitative research.