NVivo makes sub-group analysis easier: While marking up themes with highlighter pens on paper copies of transcripts can still be useful, imagine trying to look at this information across a large number of participants, while also exploring responses by different sub-groups within your sample (e.g., comparing what males and females said).
#What is nvivo 10 code#
Alternatively, I may have undertaken a survey with a couple of open-ended questions – being able to import an Excel file containing this data means that I can code it alongside transcripts from my semi-structured interviews. For example, I can import journal articles and other PDFs, and compare what my participants reported with the existing literature on the topic.
#What is nvivo 10 software#
Software such as NVivo can be used for any qualitative methodology you may choose to follow. Depending on the software you use, this is usually not the case. There’s also the argument that it’s only suitable for certain methodologies. I definitely disagree with this, and if anything, I believe it gets you closer to your data because it automates the clerical/administrative side of things for you, leaving you more time to come up with insights. However, there are some who would disagree with me.Īrguments against the use of software include the idea that CAQDAS distances you from the data or that it is simply a code and retrieve tool. For me this is an easy choice, as I’ve used what I’ll refer to as ‘pen and paper’ methods previously, and wouldn’t want to return to them. I’m often asked if software such as NVivo should be used for qualitative data analysis.