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**Source**: https://guides.library.jhu.edu/c.php?g=941489
**Parent**: https://dataservices.library.jhu.edu/resources/

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# Qualitative Data Analysis Software

Overview and resource links for Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS), uses and how to choose, focusing on QDAS supported by JHU Data Services: nVivo and Atlas.TI, with resource and training links to these and other QDA Software

- [Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS) overview](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/c.php?g=941489&p=6785911)
  - [Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS) overview](#s-lg-box-21565756)
  - [Choosing QDA Software](#s-lg-box-21686309)
  - [Core QDAS functions](#s-lg-box-22812463)
- [NVivo](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/QDAS/NVivo "Overview, and links to guidance and training for NVivo QDAS software")
- [ATLAS.ti](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/c.php?g=941489&p=6786007)
- [Other QDAS Software](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/QDAS/OtherQDAS)
- [Qualitative Data Sources](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/c.php?g=941489&p=6786014)
- [Managing & Sharing Qualitative Data](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/c.php?g=941489&p=10710719 "Overview and collection of guidance links for managing qualitative data and issues for sharing or publishing qualitative datasets.")

## For direct assistance

[Contact us](mailto:dataservices@jhu.edu?subject=Help%20with%20NVivo), **JHU Data Services** for assistance with access to nVivo and ATLAS.ti at the Data Services offices on A level, JHU Eisenhower Library.

Visit our [**website**](https://dataservices.library.jhu.edu/) for more info and our upcoming [**training workshops**](https://dataservices.library.jhu.edu/training-workshops/)!

## Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS) overview

Qualitative research has benefited from a range of software tools facilitating most qualitative methodological techniques, particularly those involving multimedia digital data. These guides focus on two major QDAS products, [NVivo](https://lumivero.com/products/nvivo/) and [ATLAS.ti](https://atlasti.com/).  Both programs can be found on the workstations at the Data Services computer lab on A-level, Eisenhower Library, and [NVivo](https://lumivero.com/products/nvivo/) is available through JHU's [SAFE Desktop](https://ictr.johnshopkins.edu/safe-desktop). This guide also lists other QDA software and linked resources.

Many university libraries have produced comprehensive guides on [NVivo](https://lumivero.com/products/nvivo/), [ATLAS.ti,](https://atlasti.com/) and other QDA software, to which we will provide links with our gratitude.

Schmider, Christian. n.d. What Qualitative Data Analysis Software Can and Can’t Do for You – an Intro Video. MERIT Library at the School of Education: School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Accessed January 7, 2020. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLKfaCiHVic>.

## Choosing QDA Software

- [Supported Methods](#s-lib-ctab-21686309-0)
- [Decision Factors](#s-lib-ctab-21686309-1)
- [Compare QDA Software](#s-lib-ctab-21686309-2)

Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Software supports a variety of qualitative techniques and methodologies

Qualitative techniques supported by QDAS

- Coding and Classifying
- Writing: analysis, description, memos
- Relating: finding and annotating connections, relationships, patterns
- Audio/Visual analysis: marking, clipping, transcribing, annotating
- Text mining: computer-aided discovery in large amounts of unstructured text
- Visualization: diagramming, relationship and network patterns, quantitative summary

QDAS supported methodologies

- Ethnography
- Case studies
- Grounded theory/ phenomenology
- Discourse/narrative analysis
- Sociolinguistic analysis
- Collaborative qualitative research
- Text analysis & text mining

Overview of qualitative methods from ATLAS.ti: <https://atlasti.com/qualitative-research-methods/>

**Decision factors for your research**

- Methods to feature facilitation (in disciplinary context): How many features directly support your methodology?
- Interface for collection, analysis, reports: Do features accommodate most phases of your research workflow?
- Visualization and outputs: Does it produce and successfully export needed visualization without extensive modification?
- Cost and access to software: Is it worth the investment cost as well as in learning to use it? Look for education discounts.

- [Software Comparisons: Commercial & Free. (George Mason University)](https://infoguides.gmu.edu/qual/software/choose)

  Lists of flagship software, free software, and tools for converting codebooks among QDA software.
- [QDA Software Comparison Chart (NYU Libraries)](https://guides.nyu.edu/QDA/comparison)

  Comparison chart of QDA software from NYU Library's LibGuide
- [Top 14 Qualitative Data Analysis Software](https://www.predictiveanalyticstoday.com/top-qualitative-data-analysis-software/)

  Guide with descriptive summaries of the main QDA software, several with business focus.
- [Dueling CAQDAS using ATLAS.ti and NVivo](https://youtu.be/qCAB73zAjwk)

  Webinar comparing features and use of ATLAS.ti and NVIvo for qualitative data analysis. Includes live demos.

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## Core QDAS functions

Basic functions common to most QDA programs, and to NVivo and ATLAS.ti in particular:

- **Coding**
  - Application of a maintained set of terms and short phrases linked to segments of text or audio/video that can be queried and gathered for comparative analysis.
- ​**Annotation**
  - Longer narrative notes attached to text or a/v segments, or to codes
- **Navigation / queries**
  - Quick access to codes and segments that can be brought together in panel views for comparison, advanced Boolean search options, and flexible interlinking of segments, codes, and annotation
- **Transcription**
  - Most QDAS facilitates transcribing audio and video, ideally maintaining the links between transcript and A/V segments.
- **Relationships/patterns**
  - Gathering codes, segments, and annotations facilitates pattern discovery and further description of relationships. Some QDAS support social network analysis techniques and visualization
- **Reporting / collating**
  - A range of reports using queries and filters to assemble data and annotations facilitates analysis and writing results.
- **Visualization**
  - ​Typically includes code tables, social network graphs, and annotated A/V clips.
- **Collaboration**
  - Shared access to data & analysis, facilitating comments and discussion, and tracking contributor actions and changes.

- [**Next:** NVivo >>](https://guides.library.jhu.edu/QDAS/NVivo)