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Qualitative Data Analysis

An introduction to Qualitative Data Analysis and recommendation of tools.

What is Qualitative Data Analysis

Qualitative Research goes beyond the examination of who, what, when, and where, to explore the why and how. Qualitative researchers use surveys, interviews, observation, focus groups, and case studies to understand experiences, gather first hand information, and explore a topic through discussion.

Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) includes a range of processes used to convert collected data that is typically unstructured into accessible forms for researchers to categorize, interpret, and find meaning.

Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS) software is used to assist researchers with data management, transcription analysis, coding, mapping, interpretation of text, audio, or video, and other tasks. One advantage of the tools is their ability to store the analysis in a searchable interactive format.

Qualitative Data

Choosing QDA software

  ATLAS.ti
Nvivo
Website https://atlasti.com https://www.qsrinternational.com/nvivo/home
Availability for UofA Community Available only on select computers at the Main Library and the Science-Engineering Library. No campus license; Self-payment is required. 
UofA Supported No Consultation  No Consultation 
macOS or Windows Both Both
Export options Codebooks and reports using CSV or XML options; Visualizations via PDF or graphic file, directly export to SPSS Can export codebooks, reports, and visualizations using CSV or XML options; Can directly export to SPSS
Where the data is Locally or on-network (VCL) Data stored in the database locally or on the network
Backup Options Compressed backup file (copy bundle file)
Can create a copy of the project file		 Can create copy of project file
Collaboration Can merge multiple projects into one project master file; ATLAS.ti cloud. Can merge multiple projects into one project master file; otherwise no collaboration possible. NVivo Server can also be purchased, which allows real-time collaboration. All collaborators must be on the same operating system.
Pros -supports direct survey import
-auto coding and focus group autocoding
-data visualization tools
-allows for team work
-Interrater reliability available
-auto coding of documents and focus group coding		 -supports survey import
-program is easy to learn and has a clean user interface
-allows for team work
-interrater reliability available
Cons -Complicated interface
-Does not have many data visualization options
-Classification of data is challenging		 -Complicated interface with a lot going on
-does not have an auto code option
-Classification of data is challenging