This document introduces the qualitative data analysis software NVivo. It discusses NVivo's vocabulary, capabilities for managing and analyzing textual data, and advanced tasks. The document also covers example data used in NVivo, demonstrations of its functions, frequently asked questions, debates around computer software for qualitative research, and conclusions about using NVivo and remaining reflexive in the research process.

1. Computer Software in Qualitative
Research: An Introduction to
NVivo
Adam T. Perzynski
Doctoral Candidate
10/9/2003
atp5@cwru.edu

2. Objectives
 Learn the vocabulary of NVivo
 Discover what can be done with NVivo.
 Figure out how to do these things.
 Discuss the role of computer software in
Qualitative research

3. NVivo Vocabulary
 Documents
 Nodes
– Tree
– Free
 Sets
 Attributes
 In-Vivo
 QRS Qualitative Research Software
 CAQDAS Computer Assisted Qualitative Data
Analysis Software

4. What can you accomplish with NVivo?
 Manage and Analyze Textual Data
– Browse and Code Documents
– Edit Textual Data
– Create sets of anything
 Identify Themes, Patterns and Variables
– Browse and Refine Coding
– Store demographic and descriptive data
 Link to files and web pages
 Create and link to Memos

5. Advanced Tasks for NVivo
 Print Node and Document Reports
 Search text and coding
 Cross-tabulate codes and descriptive data
 Create a graphical diagram linked directly to
your documents and codes

6. Example Data
Qualitative
 347 Narratives of
Hepatitis C
 Collected from the
Internet
 Range in length from
250 to 3000 words.

7. Demonstrations

8. Frequently Asked Questions
 Can more than one person work on a single
project?
 How much data can NVivo Handle?
 Does the data have to be transcribed textual
data to use Nvivo?
 I’m confused about the colors.
 What can I print from Nvivo?

9. QRS and QADAS Controversy
For Against
 Efficient  Coding is not Analysis
 Uniform  Inflexible
 Prestige in Computing  Not Hands on
 Allows for focused and  Distracts from ideas
detailed analysis emphasizes words.
 Facilitates rigor and  Reification of the
transparency Researcher and Data

10. Conclusions
 Is it ok to use this?
 Computer software should not imply the
knowledge or use of good methodology.
 Investigators must be reflexive and self-
critical.

11. Selected References
Bassett, R., & Cox, S., & Rauch, U. (1995). The Emperor's new clothes: Is there more to NUD.IST than meets the eye? Societe, 19:2
Bazeley. P. and Richards. L., (2000). The NVivo Qualitative Project Book. Sage Publications, London.
Bazeley, P. (1999). The bricoleur with a computer: Piecing together qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative Health Research, 9(2):279-287.
Bong, S.A. (2002) “Debunking Myths in Qualitative Data Analysis. Forum: Qualitative Social Research 1(2).
Coffey, A. & Atkinson, P. (1996). Making Sense of Qualitative Data, Complementary Research Strategies. London: Sage.
Coffey, A., Holbrook, B., & Atkinson, P. (1996). Qualitative data analysis: Technologies and representations. Sociological Research Online, 1(1).
http://www.socresonline.org.uk/socresonline/1/1/4.html
Cresswell, J.W. (1998). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing among Five Traditions. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Dey, I. (1999). Grounding Grounded Theory: Guidelines for Qualitative Inquiry. London: Academic Press
Fielding, R. & Lee, (1998). Computer Analysis and Qualitative Research. London: Sage.
Gibbs, G. (2002). Qualitative Data Analysis: Explorations with NVivo. Open University Press, London.
Lee, R. (Ed.). (1995). Information Technology for the Social Scientist. London
Richards, L. (1999). Using NVivo in Qualitative Research. London: Sage.
Richards, L., & T. J. (1991). Computing in qualitative analysis: A healthy development? Qualitative Health Research, 1: 234-262.
Seale, C. (1999). The Quality of Qualitative Research. London: Sage
Seale, C. F. (2000). Computer assisted analysis of qualitative data. In D. Silverman (Ed.) Doing Qualitative Research: a practical handbook. London: Sage.
Weitzman, E. A. & Miles, M. B. (1995). Computer programs for qualitative data analysis: A software sourcebook. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Weitzman, E. (2000). Software and qualitative research. In N. K. Denzin, & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research, 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks/ Sage.

12. Computer Software in Qualitative
Research: An Introduction to
NVivo
Adam T. Perzynski
Doctoral Candidate
10/9/2003