Tools for Qualitative Research Summer 2025 Savvy Researcher Boot camp

What's UNIQUE about QUALITATIVE RESEARCH?

  • Rich Data
  • Coding Practices
  • Importance of Memoing
  • Querying the Data
  • Sharing Your Results

Rich Data

Qualitative researchers work with non-numeric data

Data may include: documents, photos, audio, video, or short answer survey data

Qualitative Coding

  • Tag important pieces of data
  • Show relationships among the codes
  • Tell the story in the data

Memoing is a key Practice For...

  • Keeping track of your overall progress
  • Unearthing themes in your data
  • Fleshing out codes
  • Analyzing data that underlies a code
  • Describing interrelationships among concepts
Portions Become Part of Your Research Article

Exploring Your Data with Queries

Example of a Matrix coding query from NVivo 15
Remember: The query allows you to return to the raw data!

Sharing Your Research Findings

Excerpt from: Ajjawi, R., Gravett, K., & O’Shea, S. (2025). The politics of student belonging: identity and purpose. Teaching in Higher Education, 30(4), 791–804. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2023.2280261

Qualitative Research Tools

CAQDAS (Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software) tools include functionalities Built with the qualitative research process in mind
  • Auburn University Libraries provides free access to NVivo 15 via our remote lab
  • Dedoose is cloud based, has student pricing ($12.95/mo.), and only charges for "active" months (See info on security for IRB - Human Subjects Research)
  • ATLAS.ti has similar student pricing for their web based product (and 6 or 12 month desktop pricing)
  • Taguette is free and open-source

Where can I learn more about The different tools?

NVivo LibGuide

FAQ: Alternatives to NVivo

Library Database: Sage Research Methods (Note: Try using the Methods Map feature under the Tools Menu)

Questions?

CREATED BY
Jennilyn Wiley

Credits:

Created with images by anantachat - "College student organizing FAFSA and tax documents on a desk with highlighted notes Stock Photo with side copy space" • Fauzi - "puzzle with words and icons interviews, surveys, focus groups and observations. What are the 4 main primary research methods?" • ronstik - "journal pages background" • amirhamzaaa - "pile of old photos on the table" • edwardolive - "Recording studio audio controls" • sofiko14 - "Blur background of african guy in casual wear recording new video blog while sitting at home workplace. Focus on digital camera fixed in tripod. Concept of people and social networks." • peopleimages.com - "Health, checklist and laptop on table in office, hospital or survey information and insurance data. Paperwork, questions and computer with form for medical results, report and healthcare review" • JoyImage - "organization chart drawn by hand" • otello-stpdc - "man hand using writing pen memo on notebook paper or letter, diary on table desk office. Workplace for student, writer with copy space. business working and learning education concept." • Stepan Popov - "Too Many Questions"