This is a comprehensive assessment of the use of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis and its impact on qualitative research. This work analyzes the growing popularity and legitimacy of qualitative research methods by looking at the way users experience computer-assisted qualitative data analysis. It also looks at the advantages and disadvantages of computer use, at research resources, and at the status of qualitative research. The authors also cover the most used approaches in qualitative research and how leading computer programs are used. They provide a framework for developing the craft and practice of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis, and examine the new techniques and their implicaitons for the evolution of qualitative research. This work is intended for researchers, academics and students across the social sciences.