Reflexive Thematic Analysis using Nvivo

Course overview and aims

NVivo can be harnessed to undertake qualitative and mixed-methods analysis drawing on a range of different analytic methods. Thematic analysis is a common approach which has become increasingly popular in recent years – amongst students working on qualitative dissertations and researchers working across academic and applied research sectors (e.g. government, policy, charity, market-research etc.).

This course focuses on how the techniques involved in the phases of work in a thematic analysis can be accomplished using the software tools provided by NVivo. Using Braun & Clarke’s (2021) six phases of Reflexive Thematic Analysis as an example framework, we set up a thematic analysis in the software and explorea range of tools that can be used to familiarise with data, code data, generate, develop, review and refine themes, capture analytic reflections throughout the process, and share findings and process. We discuss the appropriateness of tools to enact different analytic tasks, and the benefits of using NVivo for thematic analysis in comparison to manual methods.

This course teaches the latest version of NVivo – currently v15. Participants do not need to purchase a license to follow the course, as the trial version is sufficient for the purposes of the course.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the range of NVivo tools than can be harnessed throughout common phases of Reflexive Thematic Analysis
• Set up an NVivo project and plan its use for analysis
• Use NVivo tools for data familiarisation, coding, theme development and refinement, and continual reflection
• Organise qualitative data based on factual characteristics (e.g. participant socio-demographics).
• Be comfortable with the possibilities for interrogation and mapping in the software to identify and explore thematic patterns
• Save and back up projects, share findings in different forms

Topics

• Strategies and tactics in thematic analysis – the importance of methodology and how research objectives drive the use of software tools
• Approaches to thematic analysis – similarities and differences in thematic analysis approaches
• Planning an analysis – the purpose and use of Analytic Planning Worksheets for planning the tasks involved in the phases of thematic analysis
• Data formatting – transcription protocols that maximise functionality in NVivo
• Setting up a project – structuring the NVivo workspace in line with your objectives
• Familiarising with data – in-depth annotation and initial high-level explorations
• Conceptualising data – interpretive and inductive coding compared with automated coding options and their role in thematic analysis
• Identifying, developing and refining themes – using NVivo tools to construct, work with and explore themes as you develop them
• Organising data – attaching socio-demographics or other meta-data to the units in your analysis
• Interrogating and visualising data – uncovering relationships and mapping ideas, sharing findings in a variety of ways

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in using NVivo to undertake thematic analysis of qualitative materials including transcripts from interviews, group discussions, observations etc.

No prior knowledge of NVivo is required.

Format and documentation

This course is delivered in a series of live online sessions during the day that combine discussion, demonstration and hands-on exercises.

To deliver as tailored an experience as possible, we contact you on enrolment in order to understand your research goals and analytical strategies. Additionally, our participant numbers are capped to a small group size and we run our courses with two facilitators, allowing us to cover the core topics, as well as specialist needs arising out of individual projects.

Participants have the opportunity to discuss their qualitative projects with each other, and with the facilitators.

Participants are provided with slide decks, reading lists and resources to further knowledge about the topics covered during the day.

Feedback from attendees

"The way that Christina taught using thematic analysis model short projects was really interesting. The sample projects were easier to understand. One of the best lecturers that simplified MAXQDA. I will be recommending this workshop for all"

"Really interactive session, completing the steps alongside Christina was very rewarding in showing personal progress but also allowing plenty of opportunities to ask questions."

"Christina is so knowledgeable and a great presenter. The small classes allow her to address each participant’s needs. The classes are designed to be interactive so we can use the software right along with her instructions and examples. She spent enough time on each section that I felt I could continue on my own with confidence."

Facilitator

Christina Silver, PhD is the director of Qualitative Data Analysis Services and manager of the CAQDAS Networking Project at the University of Surrey, UK. Christina’s interests relate to the relationship between technology and methodology and the effective teaching of qualitative methods and digital tools. She is co-author of Using Software in Qualitative Research: A Step-by-Step Guide (Sage publications, 2007, 2014) and Qualitative Analysis using ATLAS.ti/MAXQDA/NVivo: The Five-Level QDA® Method (Routledge 2018). Christina has trained more than 11,000 researchers around the world in qualitative methods and the use of digital tools for analysis, since 1998, and is a Fellow of the UK Academy of Social Sciences.

About Qualitative Data Analysis Services

QDA Services provide tailored and flexible training, consultancy, coaching and analysis for qualitative and mixed-methods researchers. We specialise in facilitating high-quality analysis through the powerful use of digital tools. Our website provides information about our work, including our pedagogy - the Five-Level QDA method, which underpins the way we think about, undertake and teach methods and tools.