Dealing with Data: Using NVivo in the Qualitative Data Analysis Process

Authors

  • Elaine Welsh Oxford Brookes University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-3.2.865

Keywords:

reliability, validity, NVivo, qualitative data analysis, women local councillors

Abstract

This paper will assess the way in which a qualitative data analysis software package—NVivo—can be used in the data analysis process. Computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) has been seen as aiding the researcher in her or his search for an accurate and transparent picture of the data whilst also providing an audit of the data analysis process as a whole—something which has often been missing in accounts of qualitative research. This paper will compare manual techniques in the qualitative data analysis of interview transcripts with the use of NVivo. In particular, this paper will consider the difficulties surrounding interrogation of interview transcripts and will assess issues of reliability and validity in the data analysis process. The time investment required in order to make full use of NVivo's tools will also be discussed. It is shown that a combination of both manual and computer assisted methods is likely to achieve the best results. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0202260

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Elaine Welsh, Oxford Brookes University

Dr. Elaine WELSH, research interests: sociology of gender; family sociology; qualitative research methodology

Downloads

Published

2002-05-31

How to Cite

Welsh, E. (2002). Dealing with Data: Using NVivo in the Qualitative Data Analysis Process. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-3.2.865