Introduction to Nvivo: Computer-assisted Qualitative Data Analysis

This course is designed for those familiar with qualitative research approaches who are interested in using NVivo to assist with the tasks of qualitative data management and analysis. The focus is on learning the NVivo data analysis tool kit through hands on experience. Sample data will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets. The first day will provide an overview of the software and will offer participants the opportunity to consider applications of the software to their own research projects. During the remainder of the course, participants will be taken systematically through the software tasks associated with developing a research project including: planning for the collection of data; preparation of the data for analysis; undertaking the tasks of analysis; conceptualising, validating and presenting findings.
 
Monday Introduction – Becoming familiar with the NVivo working environment. Project design issues and their application in NVivo. Starting a new project in NVivo. Issues in gathering and preparing data. Working with literature and data sources including text, audio and video material. Handling non-text data within the context of an NVivo project.
 
Tuesday Making meaning from data – Basic coding in NVivo. Automated coding processes including searching text. Organising and managing coding categories. Documenting relationships.
 
Wednesday  Managing and thinking about the data – Reflecting on and recording thinking about data using memos and links. Documenting conversations and threads. Creating an audit trail. Ways of representing demographics and other attributes and using them to manipulate the data. Working with cases. Tools for reviewing progress and monitoring analysis.
 
Thursday Theory building and conceptualising – using queries, models and charts to explore relationships and interactions. Develop and confirm propositions, test hypotheses, refine analysis and verify accounts. Interfacing with other software including Microsoft Word, EndNote, and Microsoft Excel.
 
Friday   Building an account – ways of representing and reporting findings: generating reports, charting and mapping concepts and exporting material. Using audit trails to give an account of analysis procedures and authenticate accounts. Using NVivo to support working in a research team.