| University Libraries
NVivo is software for Qualitative Research from QSR International. Many people consider it their favorite because it is so powerful and provides organization for the entire project. The learning curve is small to do basic tasks, but there are many advanced features that can take longer to get accustomed to.
NVivo 1.0 (released March 18, 2020) was released for Windows and Mac. As previously, the Mac version has fewer features. QSR also released Collaboration Cloud for sharing projects (within OS only). The Plus and Pro versions from v12 have been combined.
NVivo 12 (released March 20, 2018) for Windows has 2 versions. Pro has the basic features researchers need. Plus has additional automation and social networking capabilities. NVivo for Mac OS is also available, with somewhat fewer features than the Windows Pro version. The Starter Edition from v11 has been discontinued.
See this page in two guides:
NVivo comes with one (or more) sample projects to open and explore. QSR video and text tutorials use the "Multi-Method" or "Environmental Change Down East" project, so you can follow along.
The fast video have sections for Import, Organize, and Explore Data. For v1.5 they total about 20min. For v12, they total about 4 min
| Windows 1.5 | Mac 1.5 | Windows v12 | Mac v12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast, Text Bubbles (no audio) | Text Bubbles | Text Bubbles | Text Bubbles | Text Bubbles |
| Link | Playlist | Playlist | Playlist | Playlist |
| Getting Started | #1, #2 | #1, #2 | #2 | #1 |
| Importing Files | #3 | #3 | #3 | ^ |
| Creating Cases | #10 & #11 | #10, #11, #15 | #5 | #6, #7 |
| Coding | #19, #22 | #20, #24 | #8 | #2, #3 |
| Reviewing Coding | #23, #24 | #25, #26 | #9 | ^ |
| Managing Codes | #28 | #24 | #19 | #4 |
| Memos, Links, Annotations | #25, #26 | #27, #28 | #12 | |
| Identifying Themes | #30 | n/a | n/a | #5 |
| Visualization | Explore | Explore |
#15, #16, #18 |
Explore |
Qualitative Data Analysis with Nvivo by Lecturers/instructors only - request a free digital inspection copy here This straightforward, jargon-free book provides an invaluable introduction to planning and conducting qualitative data analysis with NVivo. Written by leading authorities, with over 40 years combined experience in computer-assisted analysis of qualitative and mixed-mode data, the new edition of this best selling textbook is an ideal mix of practical instruction, methodology and real world examples. Practical, clear and focused the book effectively shows how NVivo software can accommodate and assist analysis across a wide range of research questions, data types, perspectives and methodologies. It sets out: The power and flexibility of the NVivo software How best to use NVivo at each stage in your research project Examples from the authors' own research and the sample data that accompanies the software, supplemented with vignettes drawn from across the social sciences Annotated screen shots A website with links to data, sample projects, supplementary/updated instructions, and SAGE journal content This second edition contains new chapters on handling a literature review, visualizing data, working in mixed methods and social media datasets, and approaching NVivo as a team. An insightful step-by-step guide to the messy reality of doing computer-assisted analysis, this successful book is essential reading for anyone considering using NVivo software. 1. The documentation from QSR is great, and is the recommended way to learn NVivo by reading.
Version 1.5 - Use the sandwich in the upper right to navigate: 1.5 Windows | 1.0 Mac
Version 12 - Start with the Using NVivo section: v12 Windows | v12 Mac
2. For more in-depth coverage, I would recommend the book Using Software in Qualitative Research by
These are wonderful materials and should be the first stop.