One easy way to find the right software program for your study design is as follows: Describe your study approach ('Qualitative' grounded theory, case study, narrative, etc.) in a search engine bar followed by 'software'. One Easy Way to Find the Right Software Program for Your Study DesignĬhoosing the most appropriate software program can be a challenge. Here is a table that compares and contrasts the most popular programs. Here is a list of the more popular CAQDAS: Most CAQDAS software will do some form of analysis for content searching, linking, coding, query, writing and annotation, and mapping or networking. Be sure that when writing in your proposal that you do not state that software programs analyze the data because the reviewers looking at your work will require that you revise the wording otherwise.Ĭomputer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) refers to software package tools for coding. The decision to use a software program, of course, is yours.Īlso, remember that software programs organize the data they do not analyze it. To be sure, the larger the data base, the more useful a software program is to organize the data and identify themes. For example, for ethnographers, Ethnograph is a better choice because it was designed for ethnographic data. However, when you are collecting data for your dissertation study, remember that you are not limited to using NVivo rather, you can use a software program that is more suited to your own needs and that may not include NVivo. NVivo seems to be popular it is also the most commonly used by students. A software programs that the researcher uses should include codes for descriptive labels to sort for patterns, identify outliers, and identify constructs and themes. The contemporary qualitative software analysis programs/Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) appear to be intuitive and provide more features. The software program should be reasonably priced which includes the time and effort to learn the program.

A qualitative software system should be intuitive, quick to learn, address the planned research analysis, and should assist in visually identifying constructs and theories.

Nvivo pricing