There are several packages out there for doing qualitative research that might fill the bill. SPSS markets a rather simple one called TextSmart, Scolari Software markets NUD*IST, which is very powerful, but comes with a rather steep learning curve, You might do a search in HotBot, Lycos, etc. for "Text Analysis" or "Content Analysis" software. The question of which package to use revolves about what purposes the information gathered will serve, and how will it be anlyzed/described.

Good Luck,

Max Martin

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^ Experience is a wonderful teacher-- ^ it allows us to recognize a mistake ^ after we've made it again! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^ Dr. Max R. Martin ^ Senior Evaluator ^ Department of Research, Evaluation ^ Info Systems & Technology ^ Edgewood ISD ^ 4127 Eldridge ^ San Antonio, TX 78237 ^ Vox: 210-431-9120 FAX: 210-433-5134 ^ e-mail: mmartin@edgewood-sa.k12.tx.us

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ -----Original Message----- From: KMitch1988 <kmitch1988@AOL.COM> Newsgroups: bit.listserv.spssx-l To: SPSSX-L@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU <SPSSX-L@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU> Date: Monday, February 08, 1999 9:23 AM Subject: FREE ASSOCIATION RESPONSES

>Does anyone know if there is any software available for tabulating free >association responses to open end questions? > >An example of a question on a survey regarding shampoo might be the following: >What words first come to mind when you hear the phrase "Hair that has body?" >