Data analysis in qualitative research: a brief guide to using nvivo

Abstract

Qualitative data is often subjective, rich, and consists of in-depth information normally presented in the form of words. Analysing qualitative data entails reading a large amount of transcripts looking for similarities or differences, and subsequently finding themes and developing categories. Traditionally, researchers 'cut and paste' and use coloured pens to categorise data. Recently, the use of software specifically designed for qualitative data management greatly reduces technical sophistication and eases the laborious task, thus making the process relatively easier. A number of computer software packages has been developed to mechanise this 'coding' process as well as to search and retrieve data. This paper illustrates the ways in which NVivo can be used in the qualitative data analysis process. The basic features and primary tools of NVivo which assist qualitative researchers in managing and analysing their data are described.

Keywords: NVivo; Qualitative research data analysis.

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Qualitative data analysis flowchart

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Project pad with documents tab selected

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Document browser with coder and coding stripe activated

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Node explorer with a tree node highlighted

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Browsing a node

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Document attribute explorer

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Model explorer showing the perceived risk factors of cervical cancer