[The Ulm databank].

Abstract

Since 1968 one of our major research efforts consists in establishing a methodology for performing psychoanalytic process research. Within this frame tape-recording of psychoanalytic long-term treatments constituted an essential methodical step inevitably leading to the production of a large collection of verbatim transcripts. We gradually and inadvertently realized the need for a major computerized databank to assist our own research. With support of the German Research Foundation we started in 1980 with the development of the Ulm Textbank Management System. While realizing the system it became obvious that such a databank would serve as well other researchers involved in process research when analyzing verbatim material. The final shape of the systems thus was strongly influenced by the orientation towards a variety of users and methodological approaches. Meanwhile this task is completed and the Ulm Textbank, as it is known, is available as a new unique tool for psychotherapy research.