The exploration of new topics and issue areas in ethnography is intrinsically linked to the process of data analysis. Available computer software including word processing programs, search-and-retrieval facilities, text retrieval packages, and hypertext programs, can assist in routine data management tasks. Computerized dictionaries and thesaurus subprograms can help ethnographers develop meaningful lexicons. Computerized text-management programs lend themselves to deductive and inductive analytical tasks. Computer-assisted qualitative research provides an opportunity to understand the context surrounding the issues under investigation. There are several computer operations available to check the reliability and validity of qualitative data as well as instruments and procedures. 10 references