Introduction to Atlas.ti: Basic operations, tips and tricks for coding (6th Edition)

Abstract

The book and its chapters are structured in the same order that you would approach most research projects. It presents a thematic approach to analysis while being cognisant that each analysis is entrenched in its paradigm or philosophy. You may secure in the knowledge that there is no one right way to conduct an analysis (Bazeley, 2013; Campbell, Quincy, Osserman, & Pedersen, 2013; Chenail, 2012; Denzin & Lincoln, 2011; Eberle, 2014; Flick, 2014a&b; Huberman, 2014; Schurink et al., 2013; Willig, 2014a). Atlas.ti may be employed with any qualitative research design. The most analytical process commences with a thematic analysis, and the examples are framed around this approach. Multiple authors (Bazeley, 2013; Braun & Clarke, 2006; Saldana, 2013; Vaismoradi, Turunen, & Bondas, 2013) have attempted to map thematic analysis. Computer software to assist with qualitative data analysis (QDA) has become established as an essential tool for many researchers in the last 20 years. One of the most commonly used acronyms for this software, [Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis] CAQDAS, [was] introduced by Fielding and Lee following a 1989 conference on the programs… (Gibbs, 2014, p. 277) CAQDAS software allows for review, sorting, sifting, quantification and visualisation of data, but you as researcher remains the driver of the process, the software only assists. (Bazeley, 2013; Flick, 2014b; Gibbs, 2014; Lacey & Luff, 2007; Saldana, 2013). As a researcher, you must be able to conduct rigorous Qualitative Data Analysis and have a firm grasp of Research Designs and Paradigms, before embarking on the computer assisted route.

There is a vast array of CAQDAS software available of which some of the most commonly employed ATLAS.ti, NVivo, MAXQDA, AnSWR, HyperRESEARCH, QDA Miner, Qualruss, Transana and Weft (Evers, 2016; Flick, 2014a; Gibbs, 2014; Saldana, 2013). There are even free, Open Source Software available such as Weft, Open Code, AnSWR and TAMS Analyzer (Gibbs, 2014; Saldana, 2013). The tool you employ is less important than the researcher’s skill and approach to analysis as was illustrated in the Dutch KWALON experiment (Flick, 2014a; Gibbs, 2014)