6 April 2011 | Volume 18 | Number 3 © RCN PublishiNg / NuRsE REsEARChER Nurse Researcher NVivo 8 and consistency in data analysis: reflecting on the use of a qualitative data analysis program Correspondence to Michael Bergin mbergin@wit.ie Michael Bergin is a lecturer in nursing at the Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland Cite this article as: Bergin M (2011) NVivo 8 and consistency in data analysis: reflecting on the use of a qualitative data analysis program. Nurse Researcher. 18, 3, 6-12. Received March 19 2010; accepted November 15 2010 THERE IS much debate for and against the use of qualitative data analysis (QDA) software in qualitative research. Advantages include a single location for storage that provides easy access to material and the ability to handle large amounts of data with consistent coding schemes. Other advantages include improvements in the consistency of approach, assistance with team research and the ability to help in theory building (Weitzman 2000). Disadvantages include the amount of time and effort taken to become proficient in using the program; prescriptive approaches to analysis with a reluctance to change categories of information once they have been developed (Robson 2002); and the tendency for the analyst to take short cuts (Weitzman 2000). The issue of whether or not using the program distances researchers from their data (Bong 2002, Roberts and Wilson 2002) and thereby impedes or distorts analysis is widely debated (Bourdon 2002). Analogies of creating a ‘Frankenstein’s monster’ have been put forward but have tended to be over-emphasised (Kelle 2004). However, the qualitative researcher who does not use software beyond a word processor will be hindered in comparison with those who do (Miles and Huberman 1994), although some argue that the computer needs to be used as a tool purely for data administration and archiving and not for analysing the data (Kelle 2004). Therefore, in trying to make a decision about whether to use a QDA program, it is Abstract Aim Qualitative data analysis is a complex process and demands clear thinking on the part of the analyst. However, a number of deficiencies may obstruct the research analyst during the proces, leading to inconsistencies occurring. This paper is a reflection on the use of a qualitative data analysis program, NVivo 8, and its usefulness in identifying consistency and inconsistency during the coding process. Background The author was conducting a large-scale study of providers and users of mental health services in Ireland. He used NVivo 8 to store, code and analyse the data and this paper reflects some of his observations during the study. Discussion The demands placed on the analyst in trying to balance the mechanics of working through a qualitative data analysis program, while simultaneously remaining conscious of the value of all sources are highlighted. Conclusion NVivo 8 as a qualitative data analysis program is a challenging but valuable means for advancing the robustness of qualitative research. Implications for practice Pitfalls can be avoided during analysis by running queries as the analyst progresses from tree node to tree node rather than leaving it to a stage whereby data analysis is well advanced. Keywords Qualitative data analysis, software, computer program, research