This full-day course will prepare you for conducting quantitative data analysis as part of your research degree. . Attendees will gain a better understanding of data measurement, collection and reporting strategies, different types of numerical data, how to identify the potential limitations of research design, and more.

The course is available twice a year and is best suited for researchers in the early stages of their research degree

Find more information and sign up for workshops using the PGR events calendar

All University of Bristol students and staff can access free online training workshops as part of our university-wide training programme. This includes workshops on data science, coding/programming, use of high performance computing (HPC) and best practices. These workshops are run and facilitated by the Jean Golding Institute

See the course directory and sign-up

The Advanced Computing Research Centre (ACRC) provide a range of self-directed learning and video resources in High Performance Computing (HPC), software engineering, and programming.

Access ACRC materials and recordings

This full day course provides an overview of the principles and practices of working with qualitative data (including text, graphics, audio and video). Attendees will examine qualitative methodologies, data collection strategies and analytic methods, and will explore the importance of developing clear objectives and research questions.

The course runs twice a year and is best for researchers at the early stages of their research degree. 

Find out more and book your space via the PGR events calendar

NVivo is a qualitative data analysis computer software package. You can download NVivo for free via the University of Bristol Sharepoint site. (Remember to log in using your UoB credentials when prompted).

The resources in this drop-down menu have been produced by PhD researchers from across the GW4 institutions to help you get started using NVivo for qualitative research.

Listen to a short audio introduction to NVivo

or Read a short introduction to NVivo (word)

View a presentation of things to know before getting started with NVivo

Coding with interview and focus group data

Coding is the process of labeling and tagging qualitative data to identify key themes and patterns. These resources will help you decide which method of coding best suits your research, and how to begin coding using NVivo. 

View a an introduction to different types of coding (PowerPoint)

Watch a quick start guide to coding in NVivo (YouTube)

Or Read a quick start guide to coding in NVivo (Word)

Access a simple, three-step visual guide to coding in NVivo (Word)

Autocoding (Automatic Coding)

Autocoding is a tool that helps researcher automatically create new codes from qualitative data. You can use NVivo to search for all data, or search data from a particular person.

Watch video guidance about auto-coding (YouTube)

Or Read guidance about auto-coding (Word)

Thematic Analysis

Thematic analysis involves identifying, analysing and reporting patterns or themes within a dataset.

Listen to a podcast for discussion and advice about conducting thematic analysis

The following resources - created by researchers at the GW4 universities - provide a summary of some useful NVivo features.

Classification tables

Classification tables help identify the different characteristics of your data, allowing you to more easily compare (for example) different participants, and sort them according to (for example) similarities and differences.

Access a video guide detailing how to create a classification table

Or read instructions detailing how to create a classification table

Framework Matrices

A framework matrix is a way of summarising and analysing qualitative data in a table of rows and columns. It is a useful tool for visualising different participant responses (for example), and enables cross-case analysis. You can also use a framework matrix to create a data extraction table.

Access a video guide to creating a Framework Matrix

Or read instructions about how to create a Framework Matrix

Matrix Queries

A matrix query is a technique for analysing the relationships and patterns between your data. Matrix queries cross-tabulate data to show how different categories or codes intersect across multiple variables.

Examples of how you might use this type of data analysis query include:

- Comparing participant responses based on demographic characteristics

- Identifying co-occuring themes within documents

Watch BDC's video guide to matrix queries

OR View a transcript of this guide

Memos

Memos are the NVivo equivalent of notebooks and post-it notes. You can use memos to record your ideas or interpretations of your data. They are a useful way to keep your analysis separate from the material you are analysing (while still linking them to specific data files).

Access BDC's video guide to memos.

• Once you're familiar with the basics, you can use NVivo to manage your literature review.

View the BDC's instructions about using NVivo for your literature review

(Use your UoB credentials for access!)

• Auto-coding can help you organise your literature by automatically identifying relevant themes and concepts in your data and assigning codes accordingly. It can speed up your analysis (when done carefully and accurately).

Watch a video guide to auto-coding your literature review

OR view a transcript of our auto-coding guide

Nvivo features a variety of useful tools to help you collaborate with colleagues and team members. You can use it to combine data, to compare codes, and to share memos/annotations. View the video and accompanying Powerpoint presentation below to find out more.

Access a video guide to collaborating in NVivo

See the accompanying Powerpoint presentation

(log in using your UoB credentials for access).