The Nvivo Qualitative Project Book

Book excerpt: `A great basic book, which can be used by the novice qualitative researcher. The advice is friendly, almost folksy with clear conceptual explanation of how the program works. A very welcome contribution to this field' - Martha Ann Carey, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York `Qualitative researchers continue to be criticized because they rely too much on their own interpretations and avoid analytical and theoretical issues. This book provides ways to integrate the thinking about a project and the data you have with practical ways that the software can facilitate the process. I recommend it for both the new user as well as the experienced one' - Marilyn Lichtman, Forum for Qualitative Social Research - follow the link below to read the complete review This book invites readers to learn how to use qualitative data analysis software in the context of doing their research project. The reader follows basic steps for creating and conducting a real project with real data, using the new-generation software package, QSR NVivo. The software tools are introduced only as needed and explained in the framework of what is being asked. The reader is the craftsperson, trialling those tools in the processes of getting started, tentative interpretation, drawing links, shaping data, and seeking and establishing explanations and theories. The NVivo Qualitative Project Book allows the researcher to work through their own project, or work with data provided from a real project. The authors draw on decades of experience of research and training researchers around the world, and take the reader through each step in a style combining informality and authority, with frequent tips and reflections on what is being done. Demonstration software is provided on the enclosed CD-ROM, with data to help create (a researcher's project) a project about researchers and researching, and with multiple stages arranged sequentially in the development of a real project. As a practical tool to help researchers understand qualitative data analysis software using NVivo, and a guide through the sometimes complex processes of doing a research project, this book will be invaluable reading for researchers and students undertaking qualitative research. Pat Bazeley provides training and consulting services in research design and data analysis through her company, Research Support. Lyn Richards is Director of Research Services at Qualitative Solutions and Research, the developers of NUD·IST and NVivo software. NVivo is distributed by Scolari, SAGE Publications Software.