Don't use NVivo if...
…you are new to qualitative research. NVivo looks great but it is complex and it is easy to waste your time learning functionality that you don’t need. And it won’t analyse your research for you.
What do you do instead of using NVivo?
Study the basics of epistemology
Supplement your classes and reading list with free online tutorials. Discuss and debate your thoughts with others. I have spent years supporting students and researchers in their use of Qualitative Data Analysis Software, especially NVivo. Many of the novice researchers found they were pressing buttons and not really understanding whether the data that emerged in the results had any meaning. This was partly because they didn’t really understand the nature of Qualitative Research. They would make bold claims that they were doing Grounded Theory, Ethnography, Thematic Analysis etc. etc. but they would have very little idea of what that meant in practice. Getting to grips with these approaches doesn’t have to be awful. Of course you should read the recommended texts, but there are plenty of basic blogs and articles out there than can help you understand the academic texts that you might find more challenging when you first start out. Discuss what you have read with others. Time spent on a secure grasp of basics will save you a lot of time and headaches later when it comes to analysing your data.
Start your analysis as soon as you have some data
Spend time with your data by reading, listening or watching. You can only understand it if you spend time with it. Note your thoughts. You can start this process immediately with the notes that you have made when you gather your data. You might be in a subject discipline where you will be given very clear direction in how to gather ‘Field Notes’. Even if you receive no guidance, at the very least you will have your own thoughts and reactions to the literature that your read and your research data. Don’t lose them. Collect them in a notebook or file; it sounds really grand when you call it a Research Journal, but it really is a common way to get started on your analysis and start to understand your own subjectivities. (We’ll save subjectivities for another post).
Most software has some kind of tool for making notes, and NVivo has array of such features. ‘Great!’ you might think. But I have had too many students come to me thinking that NVivo will help them get through their data analysis quickly, only to realise that NVivo is taking too long to learn. Even those that have managed to get early output to their tutors and supervisors find that the output looks neat and tidy but the analysis is superficial. NVivo cannot think for you. It will only pull out what you tell it to. If you don’t understand all those buttons then how can you know what you are asking NVivo to do.
Choose suitable analysis tools - there are alternatives to NVivo
For small-scale studies you really only need pen and paper or word processor to systematically organise your thoughts and choose suitable evidence. I know successful researchers who never use software, and rely entirely on their interactions with the data, the literature and collegiate discussions to formulate and write their analyses. Your brain is really the analysis tool. Software just helps you record and organise your thoughts.
If you still want to use software, cheaper and simpler tools than NVivo are available, such as Dedoose, Delve and my personal favourite, Quirkos; all of which you can try for free. Don't take my word for it. Investigate for yourself, talk to others and use the tools that best help you develop insight into your data.
Resources
Making Qualitative Research Happen (2026). J.T. Weisser, Cathy Gibbons, Daniel Turner (eds) (author). P2D Books Limited. https://www.foyles.co.uk/book/making-qualitative-research-happen/j-t-weisser-cathy-gibbons-daniel-turner-eds/9781914458705
I designed an entire self-directed course Welcome to the Quirkos Curated Course: Doing Qualitative Research. It's free to access and there is no registration process.
I don't make many videos but this one has been very popular. How to go from Codes to Themes in Qualitative Analysis
Conflict of interest statement: I used and taught NVivo in my Qualitative Research Methods courses for over a decade. I discovered Quirkos when I became an employee in 2021. I am now independent but I still advocate its use because I believe it is quick and easy to learn, affordable and an effective analysis tool.
Email me if you want to discuss my training delivery at your institution or private coaching.
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