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Qualitative Data Analysis

Choosing between NVivo and Atlas 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