QUAiL: A Web-Based Qualitative Analysis Tool for Textual Data

Abstract

Qualitative Data Analysis is an intensive, time-consuming, and painstaking process. While existing Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) programs are available to enhance this process, they often divide features across multiple tiers and require a significant learning curve for effective use. This paper introduces "QUAiL", a web-based application designed to streamline the qualitative data analysis workflow. Developed using the MERN (MongoDB 1 , Express.js 2 , React 3 , Node.js 4 ) stack and a Python microservice for statistical calculations. QUAiL integrates features such as text and audio file import with transcription services, a user-friendly interface for flexible coding, highlighting, and adding memos. Additionally, it provides comprehensive code management utilities like code merging, code splitting, data visualization, and quantitative validation through statistical tests. The aim is to remove the burden of complexity and a fragmented workflow, offering students, educators, and researchers an accessible tool designed to be intuitive and to support entire qualitative workflow.