Comparing NVivo 10, Atlas.ti 7, and HyperRESEARCH for qualitative research

Software Tools for Qualitative Research

Data Analysis Software Packages

Exploring Options for Research Software Tools

As a quick reference tool, I created a table to compare primary features of three data analysis software packages: NVivo 10, Atlas.ti 7; and HyperRESEARCH (which also includes HyperTRANSCRIBE as a separate complementary option). This information is shown in Table 1, which is provided at the end of this work.

After reviewing the software packages for data analysis, I believe that using a software package would be very helpful, supporting my research and enabling me to conduct data analysis more efficiently and effectively. My mixed methods approach in this study means that I will be managing and collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. Since all three of the data analysis software I have reviewed have the capability to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, I will discuss each software package as it relates to my research design.

Atlas.ti 7

Atlas.ti is known for its strong research training programs, the existence of which is a reflection of the complexity and capability of the data analysis software program and platform. I like that Atlas.ti software is undergoing revisions that will make it Mac-friendly as a native application. Earlier versions of Atlas.ti included the capacity to convert from a Windows-based program to a Mac-based program, but those types of conversions are typically fraught with problems. Atlas.ti is complicated enough without adding any additional conversion burdens.

What I don't like about the Atlas.ti software is that the coding all defaults to a side corridor, ostensibly to keep the data coding at the top of the stack and close at hand. But if a researcher is working on a small laptop or with a smaller sized monitor, the windows get compressed and the review of the document becomes difficult. The co-occurrence search is a boon to creating buckets of data and supporting the emergence of themes, as are the semantic network displays. The capacity for coding media files may be top of the line for the industry, which is a strong benefit, given that my research includes in-depth interviews.

HyperRESEARCH and HyperTRANSCRIBE

The code and retrieve data analysis sounds like a good match for the quantity of data I will collect. Also, online training and step-by-step tutorials are available that seem adequate to the type of difficulties I might run into using this software. Since I am taking a quasi-experimental approach, the hypothesis-testing feature of Hypothesis Tester is intriguing. Also, the HyperTRANSCRIBE companion software seems like it would function at an appropriate and adequate level for the amount and type of qualitative interview data that I will collect. I very much like the idea of being able to collaborate with others across Mac and Windows platforms, even though this does not have application to my immediate plans for my research study.

Given all the various features of the HyperRESEARCH and HyperTRANSCRIBE bundle, I believe this would be the best choice for me. And the price is certainly right.