Introduction to Qualitative Data Analysis Software

(PSY206) Data Management and Analysis

Overview of Software

Qualitative data analysis software helps researchers to:

• organize interview transcripts
  
• create codes
  
• develop themes
  
• store memos
  
• generate reports

Popular software:

• NVivo
  
• ATLAS.ti
  
• MAXQDA
  
• QualCoder as free alternative

Why Psychology Students Need Software

Imagine you collected:

• 20 interviews on depression
  
• each 40 minutes
  
• 200 pages of text

Manual analysis becomes confusing. Software keeps everything organized.

Comparison of Features

Feature	NVivo	ATLAS.ti	MAXQDA	QualCoder
Coding	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Memos	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Audio	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cost	High	High	High	Free

Example Situation

A student studies cyberbullying victims.

Data:

• interview transcripts
  
• screenshots
  
• diary notes

Software allows all materials in one project.

Advantages of Using Software

1. Organization
   All files in one place.

2. Transparency
   Teacher can see how codes were created.

3. Speed
   Search thousands of lines quickly.

4. Teamwork
   Multiple coders can work together.

Psychological Example

Research topic: Parental pressure on SSC students.

Without software:

• reading again and again
  
• losing important quotes

With software:

• code for fear
  
• code for motivation
  
• compare boys and girls

Classroom Task

Think of a topic:

Social media addiction

Write:

• three possible codes
  
• one memo idea