Using NVivo for Qualitative Research (Module 2)

Session summary

This session will introduce students to the NVivo software package, which is designed to help in the organisation, management and analysis of qualitative data. All the basic functions of NVivo will be covered, including the importation, storage, and organisation of various data sources, the potential for transcription, the creation of cases and nodes, classifications and attributes, and the meanings of these terms will be explained. The process of coding and data analysis will be demonstrated and the use of 'queries' explored as a ‘top down’ means of data access. The pros and cons of using software to conduct qualitative research will also be considered.

Indicative Feedback for this Session

Thank you… for an engaging session. You have no idea how many NVivo sessions I have attended… and your session is the first time I've thought to myself, ‘wow, this is what it does’. I am currently… doing my analysis, so your session… couldn't have come at a better time. I'm feeling super motivated and engaged in my research, so thank you for helping me see more clearly through… muddy waters (Canterbury Christchurch).

Thank you so much for a fascinating session on NVivo. I listen to any of your sessions I can because you make it all so straightforward and interesting and I know as a teacher myself that this is not easy (Sussex).

Thanks Simon, great session… I particularly liked the logical walk-through and the explanation of the terminology… The other thing I like is more about your teaching style - the 'matter of fact' statements… really land well with me because, as silly as it sounds, it adds a confidence boost and a 'yes, I can do that'. I'm definitely going to start using the system as a sort of organiser for my PhD (Staffordshire).

The NVivo demo… was excellent, you have obviously prepared that to a T! I can just imagine how many hours went into preparing your slides… Your commentary and examples on how you have used NVivo were so useful and made all the difference to demoing the software. And I liked that you also included some of the controversies in the field. That is important. Very useful also to have - from your ‘analysing’ session - some examples of published articles, including some of your own (East Anglia).

This has been a helpful session because it has a different perspective than the other 'how to use NVivo' training. The ‘researcher perspective’ [you used] really adds a different dimension and makes the software much more understandable and useable (West of Scotland).