In this way, a researcher might find that their qualitative data ‘confirms’ past research, ‘confirms’ past research but also adds new empirical or theoretical insights, or does not ‘confirm’ past theory or research and instead generates novel findings. A deductive approach to thematic analysis means that you aim to ‘confirm’ whether your data is representative of past research findings (either qualitative or quantitative) with this approach, the researcher begins with a particular theory or set of past empirical findings they want to confirm, and develop a coding framework prior to beginning the data coding. The data is coded to fit the predetermined framework, and any data that doesn’t ‘confirm’ the predetermined codes can be subsequently coded using an inductive approach. Codes are generated and refined in a reiterative process, and emerging themes are synthesised in a creative and interpretive way. An inductive approach to thematic analysis means that you aim to ‘explore’ your data without expectations of what you will find. These codes can be represented by things called ‘Nodes’ in NVivo, which can then be ordered in hierarchies (to represent themes and subthemes).Ĭodes can be generated ‘inductively’ or ‘deductively’, and ultimately this approach determines whether your overall approach to the thematic analysis or content analysis is ‘inductive’ or ‘deductive’. Themes and subthemes don’t just ‘appear’ after having viewed your data once or twice, regardless of whether you use NVivo, pen and paper, or some other format you’ll need to generate and refine working ‘codes’ (meaningful commonalities in your data relevant to your research question). 10 interview transcripts in Word document or PDF form). In NVivo, your data files are imported as your ‘Sources’ (e.g. NVivo is invaluable when managing and ‘coding’ conversational transcripts (such as interviews, focus groups, or forum discussions) for thematic analysis. interview, focus group, or case study transcripts, open-ended survey responses, internet forum discussion threads) and thematic analysis or content analysis methods are most common in qualitative or mixed-methods research projects. How you use NVivo really depends on the qualitative method and type of data you intend to use. The videos below introduce the work area and concepts for Windows (6:11') and Mac (5:45') users. Launch NVivo via the vLab First-time users For instructions on how to access the vLab, head to the vLab page here.

NVivo is accessed via the Virtual Laboratory (vLab). Start thinking, reading, generating ideas Discuss your research ideas with your supervisorĪ.

Nvivo research