Dealing with Data: Using NVivo in the Qualitative Data Analysis Process

This paper will assess the way in which a qualitative data analysis software package—NVivo—can be used in the data analysis process. Computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) has been seen as aiding the researcher in her or his search for an accurate and transparent picture of the data whilst also providing an audit of the data analysis process as a whole—something which has often been missing in accounts of qualitative research. This paper will compare manual techniques in the qualitative data analysis of interview transcripts with the use of NVivo. In particular, this paper will consider the difficulties surrounding interrogation of interview transcripts and will assess issues of…