NVivo

NVivo (Windows)

NVivo 9 screenshot.
Developer(s)	QSR International
Stable release	9.0 / October 2010
Operating system	Microsoft Windows
Type	Qualitative Data Analysis Qualitative Research
License	Proprietary Proprietary software
Website	qsrinternational.com/products nvivo.aspx

NVivo is a qualitative data analysis (QDA) computer software package produced by QSR International. It has been designed for qualitative researchers working with very rich text-based and/or multimedia information, where deep levels of analysis on small or large volumes of data are required.^[1]

NVivo is used predominantly by academic, government and commercial researchers across a diverse range of fields, including social sciences such as anthropology, psychology, communication, sociology, as well as fields such as forensics, tourism and marketing.^{[citation needed]}

The first NVivo software product was developed by Tom Richards in 1999. It contained tools for fine, detailed analysis and qualitative modeling.

Description

NVivo is intended to help users organize and analyze non-numerical or unstructured data. The software allows users to classify, sort and arrange information; examine relationships in the data; and combine analysis with linking^{[disambiguation needed ]}, shaping^{[disambiguation needed ]}, searching and modeling.

The researcher or analyst can test theories, identify trends and cross-examine information in a multitude of ways using its search engine and query functions. They can make observations in the software and build a body of evidence to support their case or project.^[2]

NVivo accommodates a wide range of research methods, including network and organizational analysis, action or evidence-based research, discourse analysis, grounded theory, conversation analysis, ethnography, literature reviews, phenomenology, mixed methods research and the Framework methodology.^[3] NVivo can handle materials in any language and supports data formats such as audio files, videos, digital photos, Word, PDF, spreadsheets, rich text and plain text.^[4]

Version History

NUD*IST - 1981 till 1997

• N4 - 1997
• N5 - 2000
• N6 - 2002
• NVivo 2 - 2002
• NVivo 7 – 2006 (consolidation of NVivo and N6 (NUD*IST))
• NVivo 8 - 2008
• NVivo 9 - 2010

See also

• Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software

References

1. ^ "What is qualitative research?" QSR International Retrieved on 27-11-2008.
2. ^ Karen Dearne, Australian IT (July 2008) "Not easy being green, but audits help" Retrieved on 28-11-2008.
3. ^ Strategic partnership delivers greater flexibility to qualitative researchers in the UK and around the world, National Centre for Social Research, Retrieved 17-10-2011.
4. ^ About NVivo 9, Retrieved 23-11-2010.

External links

• Official website