NVivo and ATLAS.ti for Qualitative Analysis
NVivo and ATLAS.ti are Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) programs that facilitate coding, organizing, and analyzing qualitative data—including text (transcripts, documents), images, video, and audio. NVivo, developed by QSR International, is widely used in academic research and supports data organization, coding, memo-writing, retrieval, and analysis visualizations. ATLAS.ti, developed by Scientific Software-Citational, emphasizes hermeneutic interpretation and network visualization. Both tools were introduced in the late 1990s and have become standard across disciplines. CAQDAS is not analysis itself—the researcher must make analytical decisions—but rather augments human analysis by managing large data volumes, organizing codes systematically, tracking analysis decisions, and generating visualizations. These tools improve transparency and rigor in qualitative research.
Read the full method
Sign in with a free account to read this section.
Sources
- Lewins, A., & Silver, C. (2007). Using Software in Qualitative Research: A Step-by-Step Guide. SAGE Publications. ISBN: 978-1412903653
- Friese, S. (2019). Qualitative Data Analysis with ATLAS.ti (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications. ISBN: 978-1526424944
- Bazeley, P., & Jackson, K. (2013). Qualitative Data Analysis with NVivo (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications. ISBN: 978-1446257098
- Hoover, S. M., Polasek, D. W., & Shuart-Faris, N. (2012). Qualitative software and rigor in systematic reviews. Journal of Electronic Resources in Medical Libraries, 9(3), 194-204. DOI: 10.1080/15424065.2012.722064 ↗