NVivo
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 NVivo 9 screenshot. |
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| Developer(s) | QSR International |
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| Stable release | 9.0 / October 2010 |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| Type | Qualitative Data Analysis Qualitative Research |
| License | Proprietary Proprietary software |
| Website | www.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.
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[edit] 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]
[edit] 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
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "What is qualitative research?" QSR International Retrieved on 27-11-2008.
- ^ Karen Dearne, Australian IT (July 2008) "Not easy being green, but audits help" Retrieved on 28-11-2008.
- ^ Strategic partnership delivers greater flexibility to qualitative researchers in the UK and around the world, National Centre for Social Research, Retrieved 17-10-2011.
- ^ About NVivo 9, Retrieved 23-11-2010.
