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The Best 10 Qualitative Data Analysis Software Platforms in 2023

Published: June 08, 2023

Qualitative data analysis software has become essential in helping businesses know their customers. In fact, 63% of customers expect you to know their wants and expectations.

Qualitative data analysis software (QDAS) can help you review trends and consumer behavior. You'll then know what your target audience wants and give them great experiences.

In this post, we'll break down some of the best qualitative data analysis software you can use with your team. But first, let's define qualitative data analysis software.

What is qualitative analysis software?

Qualitative data analysis software (QDAS) gathers information beyond pure numbers to help you make better decisions.

These tools scrape your digital presence, chat messages, reviews, and files for customer insights. They then review the details in bulk, saving your team valuable time during reporting.

Additionally, QDAS minimizes data loss, as data is either stored in the cloud or on your computer. These tools account for errors and bias during analysis — common challenges when working with data manually.

With QDAS, your business can test and refine theories to predict future events or customer actions. With great data accuracy, you can reduce risks and achieve greater results.

Survey Tools vs. Qualitative Data Analysis Software

Traditional survey tools just provide you with reporting for quantitative data, such as age and number of visits per month. This narrow view of data limits your analysis to questions with quantifiable answers.

Alternatively, qualitative data analysis software (QDAS) gathers insights beyond numbers. That includes insights from interviews, focus groups, and online reviews. You can then get a broader view of customer concerns.

The 10 Best Qualitative Data Analysis Software

• Raven's Eye
• Square Feedback
• QDA Miner Lite

HubSpot offers a customer feedback tool that generates detailed analytics from surveys and customer reviews. The tool can analyze these responses and provides a detailed breakdown of customer satisfaction.

You can access data from one dashboard. This lets you view different charts and graphs summarizing your customers' responses. With a simple setup, your team has a quick, clean way to review customer insights.

HubSpot's customer feedback tool is part of HubSpot's Service Hub tools. It can collect both quantitative and qualitative customer feedback.

What We Love

• The tool connects with HubSpot's NPS surveys, so you can seamlessly collect and analyze customer data.
• There's an easy-to-use interface.
• The interface gathers customer service KPIs so you can discover growth opportunities.

MAXQDA is a qualitative data analysis software designed for companies analyzing a range of customer data.

The software allows you to import data from interviews, focus groups, surveys, videos, and social media. This way, all your qualitative data can be reviewed in one central location.

Once imported into MAXQDA, you can organize your information into different categories. You can mark specific data with tags and leave notes for other employees to review your work.

MAXQDA even lets you color code data so your team knows exactly what to work on each day.

• You can use MAXQDA with multiple data formats, including social media posts, videos, and images.
• MAXQDA supports both mixed method analysis and statistical analysis.
• You can store project data in one project pack to make collaboration easy.

Quirkos includes a variety of tools that analyze and review qualitative data. That includes comparative analysis, which shows side-by-side views of your data.

Your team can more easily spot trends and identify roadblocks in the customer experience.

With Quirkos, you'll also have unparalleled customization options. Quirkos, unlike other QDAS, has 16 million colors that you can use in your theme, making coding quicker.

This is useful if you have a large coding framework, as you can label your themes with different colors for easy identification and reading.

• Quirkos is compatible with many operating systems, including Linux and Mac.
• There's a drag-and-drop feature for coding sections of text.
• You can connect to SPSS, Word, or Excel to generate custom reports.

4. Qualtrics

Qualtrics comes with two key tools for simplifying your qualitative research process: TextIQ and DriverIQ.

TextIQ uses AI to analyze open-structured data. You can then assess customer sentiment and draw helpful insights from the data.

The DriverIQ tool helps you see what matters most for your customers, from purchase intent to satisfaction. You can then focus on what will have the most impact on your business.

• The TextIQ tools help uncover trends, problems, and opportunities from customer survey responses. Additionally, it acts as a social listening tool, so you can use it to identify brand mentions on social media.
• The advanced drag-and-drop feature allows you to visualize data quickly.
• Sophisticated intelligence tools (AI+ML) make advanced research for different metrics easier.

5. Raven's Eye

Raven's Eye is a qualitative data analysis software that can process and analyze natural language data. One of its most popular features is its audio converter, which uploads audio files into the software and transforms them into text files.

Then, it analyzes the text for unique insights into customer behavior. Raven's Eye is perfect for audio interviews with customers. You can upload the recorded session to Raven's Eye for analysis.

In addition to audio, Raven's Eye processes text documents. The text analyzer can review text samples written in over 65 different languages.

It then uses a "natural language" analysis to determine a variety of unique metrics, ranging from word count to reading ease.

• Raven's Eye quickly, accurately, and reliably convert audio and text files. This will help you understand how customers think and communicate.
• The program is cloud-based, meaning it can be accessed from multiple devices.
• You can explore text and spoken word (or natural language data) in the same way human beings can.

6. Square Feedback

Square Feedback is a free customer feedback collection tool that provides qualitative data reporting. It can analyze survey responses to see how satisfied your customers are.

Square Feedback also comes with historical filter options. With this feature, you can compare past data to current customer information.

• Square Feedback integrates into your digital receipts and easily collects feedback.
• You can privately track customer comments and responses.
• Square Feedback provides rich customer insights that you can use to make informed decisions.

LiGRE can be used by students, business professionals, and researchers to analyze interviews and large bodies of text. It has both free and premium plans.

LiGRE's most important analysis tools include the following:

• Automatic transcription (for transcribing both audio and video files).
• A survey builder.
• Data merging.
• A laboratory (a teaching platform where you can open your own qualitative research laboratory for a team).

• LiGRE Laboratory lets you teach your team about qualitative research.
• You can work with various media types, including books and articles.
• You can transcribe video and audio in more than 90 languages.

8. QDA Miner Lite

QDA Miner can analyze interviews, open-ended questions, and transcripts. Best of all, the user interface is easy and free.

QDA Miner can quickly analyze interviews, open-ended responses, journals, and still images. Plus, there are seven text search and retrieval tools, helping you reliably code your text in less time.

QDA Miner Lite also offers a Boolean text search tool. This gives you the unprecedented ability to retrieve and code text segments.

• QDA Miner Lite has an easy-to-use interface for coding, retrieving, and reviewing data. You can also present results in a variety of file formats.

Dedoose has qualitative and mixed method capabilities for anyone looking to analyze text, audio, images, videos, and surveys.

It claims to support traditional qualitative data management, coding, and analysis. Dedoose is a wise choice for analyzing raw consumer or market research data.

Dedoose is free for 30 days. Afterward, you can upgrade to a premium plan with rates adjusted depending on your needs or your group size.

• Dedoose encourages teamwork and collaboration.
• Dedoose presents information in interactive visuals, such as charts, plots, and tables for easy analysis.

10. Glimpse

Glimpse is ideal for customer success teams that want to analyze qualitative data related to consumer behaviors.

The easy-to-use tool comes with a qualitative sentiment analysis survey. This collects data from different sources and presents it in a straightforward format, whether chart, graphs, or heat maps.

• Information is organized or displayed concisely for easy analysis.
• You can collect information from various platforms and display them simultaneously.
• It identifies trends and patterns in products, industries, and companies.
• The software uses machine learning and what-if analysis tools to collect and present real-time data.

Choosing the Right QDAS

Ever since qualitative data analysis software was invented in the 80s, these tools have helped businesses harness data. For those in customer success, QDAS allows businesses to create memorable experiences for customers.

If you're looking for a QDAS to help you reach the right buyer, consider which tool aligns most with your business needs.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in June 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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10 best qualitative data analysis tools

A lot of teams spend a lot of time collecting qualitative customer experience data—but how do you make sense of it, and how do you turn insights into action?

Qualitative data analysis tools help you make sense of customer feedback so you can focus on improving the user and product experience and creating customer delight.

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This chapter of Hotjar's qualitative data analysis (QDA) guide covers the ten best QDA tools that will help you make sense of your customer insights and better understand your users.

Collect qualitative customer data with Hotjar

Use Hotjar’s Surveys and Feedback widget to collect user insights and better understand your customers.

10 tools for qualitative data analysis 

Qualitative data analysis involves gathering, structuring, and interpreting contextual data to identify key patterns and themes in text, audio, and video.

Qualitative data analysis software automates this process, allowing you to focus on interpreting the results—and make informed decisions about how to improve your product—rather than wading through pages of often subjective, text-based data.

Pro tip: before you can analyze qualitative data, you need to gather it. 

One way to collect qualitative customer insights is to place Hotjar Surveys on key pages of your site . Surveys make it easy to capture voice-of-the-customer (VoC) feedback about product features, updated designs, and customer satisfaction—or to perform user and market research.

Need some ideas for your next qualitative research survey? Check out our Hotjar Survey Templates for inspiration.

Example product discovery questions from Hotjar’s bank of survey templates

1. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a no-code qualitative data analysis tool that gives researchers, product marketers, and developers access to AI-based analytics without dealing with complex interfaces.

How Cauliflower analyzes qualitative data

Cauliflower’s AI-powered analytics help you understand the differences and similarities between different pieces of customer feedback. Ready-made visualizations help identify themes in customers’ words without reading through every review, and make it easy to:

Analyze customer survey data and answers to open-ended questions

Process and understand customer reviews

Examine your social media channels

Identify and prioritize product testing initiatives

Visualize results and share them with your team

One of Cauliflower’s customers says, “[Cauliflower is] great for visualizing the output, particularly finding relevant patterns in comparing breakouts and focussing our qualitative analysis on the big themes emerging.”

NVivo is one of the most popular qualitative data analysis tools on the market—and probably the most expensive. It’s a more technical solution than Cauliflower, and requires more training. NVivo is best for tech-savvy customer experience and product development teams at mid-sized companies and enterprises.

How NVivo analyzes qualitative data

NVivo’s Transcription tool transcribes and analyzes audio and video files from recorded calls—like sales calls, customer interviews, and product demos—and lets you automatically transfer text files into NVivo for further analysis to:

Find recurring themes in customer feedback

Analyze different types of qualitative data, like text, audio, and video

Code and visualize customer input

Identify market gaps based on qualitative and consumer-focused research

Dylan Hazlett from Adial Pharmaceuticals says, “ We needed a reliable software to perform qualitative text analysis. The complexity and features of [Nvivo] have created great value for our team.”

3. ​​Quirkos

Quirkos is a simple and affordable qualitative data analysis tool. Its text analyzer identifies common keywords within text documents to help businesses quickly and easily interpret customer reviews and interviews.

How Quirkos analyzes qualitative data

Quirkos displays side-by-side comparison views to help you understand the difference between feedback shared by different audience groups (by age group, location, gender, etc.). You can also use it to:

Identify keywords and phrases in survey responses and customer interviews

Visualize customer insights

Collaborate on projects

Color code texts effortlessly

One of Quirkos's users says, “ The interface is intuitive, easy to use, and follows quite an intuitive method of assigning codes to documents.”

4. Qualtrics

Qualtrics is a sophisticated experience management platform. The platform offers a range of tools, but we’ll focus on Qualtrics CoreXM here.  

Qualtrics CoreXM lets you collect and analyze insights to remove uncertainty from product development. It helps validate product ideas, spot gaps in the market, and identify broken product experiences, and the tool uses predictive intelligence and analytics to put your customer opinion at the heart of your decision-making.

How Qualtrics analyzes qualitative data

Qualtrics helps teams streamline multiple processes in one interface. You can gather and analyze qualitative data, then immediately share results and hypotheses with stakeholders. The platform also allows you to:

Collect customer feedback through various channels

Understand emotions and sentiment behind customers’ words

Predict what your customers will do next

Act immediately based on the results provided through various integrations

A user in project management shares, “The most useful part of Qualtrics is the depth of analytics you receive on your surveys, questionnaires, and other tools. In real-time, as you develop your surveys, you are given insights into how your data can be analyzed. It is designed to help you get the data you need without asking unnecessary questions.”

5. Dovetail

Dovetail is a customer research platform for growing businesses. It offers three core tools: Playback, Markup, and Backstage. For qualitative data analysis, you’ll need Markup.

Markup offers tools for transcription and analysis of all kinds of qualitative data, and is a great way to consolidate insights.

How Dovetail analyzes qualitative data

Dovetail’s charts help you easily quantify qualitative data. If you need to present your findings to the team, the platform makes it easy to loop in your teammates, manage access rights, and collaborate through the interface. You can:

Transcribe recordings automatically

Discover meaningful patterns in textual data

Highlight and tag customer interviews

Run sentiment analysis

Collaborate on customer research through one interface

Kathryn Rounding , Senior Product Designer at You Need A Budget, says, “Dovetail is a fantastic tool for conducting and managing qualitative research. It helps bring all your research planning, source data, analysis, and reporting together, so you can not only share the final results but all the supporting work that helped you get there.”

6. Thematic

Thematic's AI-driven text feedback analysis platform helps you understand what your customers are saying—and why they’re saying it.

How Thematic analyzes qualitative data

Thematic helps you connect feedback from different channels, uncover themes in customer experience data, and run sentiment analysis—all to make better product decisions. Thematic is helpful when you need to:

Analyze unstructured feedback data from across channels

Discover relationships and patterns in feedback

Reveal emerging trends in customer feedback

Split insights by customer segment

Use resulting data in predictive analytics

Emma Glazer , Director of Marketing at DoorDash, says, “Thematic empowers us with information to help make the right decisions, and I love seeing themes as they emerge. We get real-time signals on issues our customers are experiencing and early feedback on new features they love. I love looking at the week-over-week breakdowns and comparing segments of our audience (market, tenure, etc.) Thematic helps me understand what’s driving our metrics and what steps we need to take next.” 

Delve is cloud-based qualitative data analysis software perfect for coding large volumes of textual data, and is best for analyzing long-form customer interviews.

How Delve analyzes qualitative data

Delve helps reveal the core themes and narratives behind transcripts from sales calls and customer interviews. It also helps to:

Find, group, and refine themes in customer feedback

Analyze long-form customer interviews

Categorize your data by code, pattern, and demographic information

Perform thematic analysis, narrative analysis, and grounded theory analysis

One Delve user says, “Using Delve, it is easier to focus just on coding to start, without getting sidetracked analyzing what I am reading. Once coding is finished, the selected excerpts are already organized based on my own custom outline and I can begin analyzing right away, rather than spending time organizing my notes before I can begin the analysis and writing process.”

8. ATLAS.ti

ATLAS.ti is a qualitative data analysis tool that brings together customer and product research data. It has a range of helpful features for marketers, product analysts, UX professionals, and product designers.

How ATLAS.ti analyzes qualitative data

ATLAS.ti helps product teams collect, structure, and evaluate user feedback before realizing new product ideas. To enhance your product design process with ATLAS.ti, you can:

Generate qualitative insights from surveys

Apply any method of qualitative research

Analyze open-ended questions and standardized surveys

Perform prototype testing

Visualize research results with charts

Collaborate with your team through a single platform

One of the ATLAS.ti customers shares,“ATLAS.ti is innovating in the handling of qualitative data. It gives the user total freedom and the possibility of connecting with other software, as it has many export options.” 

MAXQDA is a data analysis software that can analyze and organize a wide range of data, from handwritten texts, to video recordings, to Tweets.

How MAXQDA analyzes qualitative data

MAWQDA organizes your customer interviews and turns the data into digestible statistics by enabling you to:

Easily transcribe audio or video interviews

Structure standardized and open-ended survey responses

Categorize survey data

Combine qualitative and quantitative methods to get deeper insights into customer data

Share your work with team members

One enterprise-level customer says MAXQDA has “lots of useful features for analyzing and reporting interview and survey data. I really appreciated how easy it was to integrate SPSS data and conduct mixed-method research. The reporting features are high-quality and I loved using Word Clouds for quick and easy data representation.”

10. MonkeyLearn

MonkeyLearn is no-code analytics software for CX and product teams.

How MonkeyLearn analyzes qualitative data

MonkeyLearn automatically sorts, visualizes, and prioritizes customer feedback with its AI-powered algorithms. Along with organizing your data into themes, the tool will split it by intent—allowing you to promptly distinguish positive reviews from issues and requests and address them immediately.

One MonkeyLearn user says, “I like that MonkeyLearn helps us pull data from our tickets automatically and allows us to engage with our customers properly. As our tickets come in, the AI classifies data through keywords and high-end text analysis. It highlights specific text and categorizes it for easy sorting and processing.”

The next step in automating qualitative data analysis 

Qualitative data analysis tools help you uncover actionable insights from customer feedback, reviews, interviews, and survey responses—without getting lost in data.

But there's no one tool to rule them all: each solution has specific functionality, and your team might need to use the tools together depending on your objectives.

With the right qualitative data analysis software, you can make sense of what your customers really want and create better products for them, achieving customer delight and loyalty.

FAQs about qualitative data analysis software

What is qualitative data analysis software.

Qualitative data analysis software is technology that compiles and organizes contextual, non-quantifiable data, making it easy to interpret qualitative customer insights and information.

Which software is used for qualitative data analysis?

The best software used for qualitative data analysis is:

Cauliflower

MonkeyLearn

Is NVivo the only tool for qualitative data analysis?

NVivo isn’t the only tool for qualitative data analysis, but it’s one of the best (and most popular) software providers for qualitative and mixed-methods research.

QDA examples

Previous chapter

Guide index

The Sheridan Libraries

• Qualitative Data Analysis Software (nVivo, Atlas.TI, and more)
• Sheridan Libraries

Qualitative Data Analysis Software (QDAS) overview

Choosing qda software, core qdas functions.

• Other QDAS Software
• Qualitative Data Sources

For direct assistance

Contact us , JHU Data Services   for assistance with access to nVivo and ATLAS.ti at the Data Services offices on A level, JHU Eisenhower Library.

Visit our website for more info and our upcoming training workshops !

Qualitative research has benefited from a range of software tools facilitating most qualitative methodological techniques, particularly those involving multimedia digital data. These guides focus on two major QDAS products, nVivo and ATLAS.ti.  Both programs can be found on the workstations at the Data Services computer lab on A-level, Eisenhower Library, and nVivo is available through JHU's SAFE Desktop . This guide also lists other QDA software and linked resources.

Many university libraries have produced comprehensive guides on nVivo, ATLAS.ti, and other QDA software, to which we will provide links with our gratitude

Schmider, Christian. n.d. What Qualitative Data Analysis Software Can and Can’t Do for You – an Intro Video . MERIT Library at the School of Education: School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Accessed January 7, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLKfaCiHVic .

• Supported Methods
• Decision Factors
• Compare QDA Software

Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Software supports a variety of qualitative techniques and methodologies

Qualitative techniques supported by  QDAS

• Coding and Classifying
• Writing: analysis, description, memos
• Relating: finding and annotating connections, relationships, patterns
• Audio/Visual analysis: marking, clipping, transcribing, annotating
• Text mining: computer-aided discovery in large amounts of unstructured text
• Visualization: diagramming, relationship and network patterns, quantitative summary 

QDAS  supported methodologies

• Ethnography
• Case studies
• Grounded theory/ phenomenology
• Discourse/narrative analysis
• Sociolinguistic analysis
• Collaborative qualitative research
• Text analysis & text mining

Overview of qualitative methods from ATLAS.ti:  https://atlasti.com/qualitative-research-methods/

Decision factors for your research

• Methods to feature facilitation (in disciplinary context): How many features directly support your methodology?
• Interface for collection, analysis, reports: Do features accommodate most phases of your research workflow?
• Visualization and outputs: Does it produce and successfully export needed visualization without extensive modification?
• Cost and access to software: Is it worth the investment cost as well as in learning to use it? Look for education discounts.
• Software Comparisons: Commercial & Free. (George Mason University) Lists of flagship software, free software, and tools for converting codebooks among QDA software.
• QDA Software Comparison Chart (NYU Libraries) Comparison chart of QDA software from NYU Library's LibGuide
• Top 14 Qualitative Data Analysis Software Guide with descriptive summaries of the main QDA software, several with business focus.
• Dueling CAQDAS using ATLAS.ti and NVivo Webinar comparing features and use of ATLAS.ti and NVIvo for qualitative data analysis. Includes live demos.

Basic functions common to most QDA programs, and to NVivo and ATLAS.ti in particular:

• Application of a maintained set of terms and short phrases linked to segments of text or audio/video that can be queried and gathered for comparative analysis. 
• Longer narrative notes attached to text or a/v segments, or to codes
• Quick access to codes and segments that can be brought together in panel views for comparison, advanced Boolean search options, and flexible interlinking of segments, codes, and annotation
• Most QDAS facilitates transcribing audio and video, ideally maintaining the links between transcript and A/V segments. 
• Gathering codes, segments, and annotations facilitates pattern discovery and further description of relationships. Some QDAS support social network analysis techniques and visualization
• A range of reports using queries and filters to assemble data and annotations facilitates analysis and writing results.
• ​ Typically includes code tables, social network graphs, and annotated A/V clips.
• Shared access to data & analysis, facilitating comments and discussion, and tracking contributor actions and changes.
• Next: NVivo >>
• Last Updated: Apr 19, 2024 9:31 AM
• URL: https://guides.library.jhu.edu/QDAS

The Ultimate Guide to Qualitative Research - Part 2: Handling Qualitative Data

• Handling qualitative data
• Transcripts
• Field notes
• Survey data and responses
• Visual and audio data
• Data organization
• Data coding
• Coding frame
• Auto and smart coding
• Organizing codes
• Qualitative data analysis
• Content analysis
• Thematic analysis
• Thematic analysis vs. content analysis
• Narrative research
• Phenomenological research
• Discourse analysis
• Grounded theory
• Deductive reasoning
• Inductive reasoning
• Inductive vs. deductive reasoning
• Qualitative data interpretation

Challenges of qualitative research

Qualitative software, objectives and applications, choosing the right qda software, the utility of qualitative analysis software, qualitative analysis software.

Qualitative analysis looks into people's behavior by examining many artifacts and utterances. To be sure, researchers still talk about the days of manually sifting through printed pages by hand to analyze qualitative data. However, qualitative software supports contemporary researchers today by providing qualitative data analysis (QDA) tools to help us with our research.

Today, it can be hard to imagine a time when qualitative research , particularly in the social sciences, was a very analog, very manual process. These days, analyzing qualitative data is often accomplished through software, but it's essential to examine how we got here.

Researchers would talk about the old days of having dozens or hundreds of pages of data scattered on a floor in their living space as they organized their documents in a form that facilitated data analysis. Coding qualitative data would involve a highlighter or sticky notes to represent themes visually. In many research projects, the most advanced technology would often be a printer or a photocopier to commit data to a physical form.

Times have changed as the needs of qualitative researchers have evolved. Qualitative customer data can involve thousands or even tens of thousands of records of customer feedback and purchase history. In contrast, qualitative and mixed methods research have since highlighted the importance of statistical analysis in once-purely qualitative disciplines.

As the scope of qualitative data expands in breadth and depth, the challenges of analyzing all this information to make informed decisions require an intuitive interface to facilitate the research process. Let's look at some reasons why this is the case.

Data management difficulties

One of the significant challenges researchers face when conducting qualitative research is the management of large amounts of data. This issue is often compounded by the diverse nature of qualitative data, including interview transcripts , field notes , images, and audio and video files .

The data volume and its unstructured nature can make it hard for researchers to organize , manage, and track information systematically. QDA software offers powerful data management tools to handle large volumes of unstructured data. It provides functionalities to categorize, code , and annotate data efficiently, facilitating easier retrieval and organization of data.

Time and resource constraints

Qualitative research analysis can be time-consuming, especially when manually coding and categorizing data . The process can be labor-intensive and requires repeated data readings to ensure comprehensive understanding and coding accuracy.

QDA software provides solutions to this problem by streamlining coding and categorization processes. Advanced software even includes automatic coding features based on machine learning and artificial intelligence to expedite data analysis and interpretation .

Complexity of ensuring trustworthiness

Ensuring the trustworthiness or credibility of qualitative research is crucial yet challenging. The subjective nature of data interpretation often leads to concerns about the consistency of data coding and theme generation .

QDA software can help address these issues. It allows for a clear audit trail of coding decisions, providing transparency and improving the accountability of the research. Some software also offers inter-rater agreement features , facilitating the comparison of coding between different researchers and thus enhancing credibility.

Difficulties in data visualization and interpretation

Qualitative research often deals with abstract themes and patterns, which can be challenging to visualize and interpret. QDA software has tools for visualizing data patterns , connections, and hierarchies. This can include functionalities for creating models, charts, or graphs based on coded data, allowing for better data interpretation and communication of findings.

Challenge of integration and synthesis of data

Researchers often grapple with synthesizing different types of qualitative data or integrating qualitative and quantitative data in mixed methods research . QDA software can aid in the integration and synthesis of diverse data types. It provides tools to link different types of data (like text, audio, video ), interrelate findings from various data sources, and, in some cases, integrate qualitative data with quantitative data.

The issue of transparency

The qualitative research process requires a high degree of transparency for others to build on or audit the research. This becomes complex due to the volume and diversity of the data and the multiplicity of analytical steps. QDA software can help enhance the transparency of research through features that help to systematically document the research process, including data collection , coding decisions, and analytical reasoning.

Data analyzed typically include a huge variety of formats and usually consist of interviews (stored in audio, video , or written records) or questionnaires . The desired information is extracted from the collected data with various techniques and analyzed for trends and other features.

In quantitative research, this leads to quantitative analyses of the data, such as statistical analysis. This approach is used in several fields of study, including nursing, medicine, education, business, and the social sciences and humanities. This list is not exhaustive, as analysis is common in many disciplines, both in and out of scientific research.

Quantitative researchers have long relied on software to carry out their analyses, and qualitative researchers also have a host of digital tools they can count on to facilitate their analyses. Researchers may analyze data from focus groups to uncover perspectives of groups of people, while marketers analyze customer data in order to identify accurate insights regarding products or services.

Processing vast amounts of data, coding your original data sources , keeping track of interrelations, and even visualizing their importance in your coding scheme is best accomplished by using dedicated qualitative analysis software. ATLAS.ti is arguably the most powerful of the available qualitative analysis software packages today.

While the use of a full-blown qualitative analysis software package may not be considered necessary in some cases (e.g., to code only a few interviews ), the use of such research software allows researchers to play around with their data and quickly familiarize themselves with the package to code confidently. And let's not forget that any kind of analysis, including qualitative data analysis , is time-consuming, so learning to use specialized software can be a valuable investment for your future research needs.

Coding , a crucial stage of qualitative data analysis , can be much less tedious and time-consuming when carried out with the aid of a qualitative analysis software package. And although it may take some time to get acquainted with a proper qualitative analysis software package to code qualitative data electronically, this effort usually more than pays off in the long run.

Make ATLAS.ti your data analysis solution

An intuitive interface for powerful qualitative data analysis tools. Check us out with a free trial today.

There are countless considerations for the various software packages available for your data analysis . Let's look at a few of the key considerations.

Alignment with research objectives and methodology

One of the most important aspects to consider when selecting a QDA software package is whether it aligns with the specific objectives and methodology of your research. Different QDA software has different strengths.

For example, some software may excel in handling large datasets, while others may be more geared toward visual data analysis . Review the features and capabilities of the QDA software, understand how they align with your research requirements, and choose accordingly.

Ease of use

The user-friendliness of QDA software plays a significant role in its effectiveness. A steep learning curve can be a significant hindrance, especially in time-sensitive research projects. Moreover, a useful software package should be available for use across multiple operating systems. When researchers use multiple devices for their research, it's important to ensure that data analysis can seamlessly take place regardless of device or context.

Consider software that has an intuitive user interface, clear instructions, and accessible learning resources like tutorials and guides. It might be beneficial to trial the software or view demos to ensure that the interface and the operational logic are understandable and manageable.

Coding capabilities

Coding is fundamental to qualitative data analysis, so the software's coding capabilities should be carefully considered. You need to check whether the software offers a variety of coding options that suit your needs, such as creating inductive codes , importing deductive codes , generating in vivo codes , and so on. For instance, if you are following the grounded theory methodology , you can check how the software can be used to conduct open , axial , and selective coding.

A good software package should also allow for easy modification and reorganization of codes . Features such as auto-coding and code frequency analysis can also enhance your analysis process.

Tools that can conduct sentiment analysis and comparative analysis are useful when extracting insights from textual data, which can help researchers in all areas, from academic discourse research to commercial market research. In other words, the best software for qualitative text analysis has the most relevant tools for coding your data systematically and efficiently.

Data management features

Effective data management is a crucial part of qualitative research . The ideal QDA software should enable efficient organization, storage, and retrieval of data. It should support a wide range of data formats, such as text, images, audio, and video files.

The capability to cross-link different types of data can also be very beneficial. Moreover, software that allows the use of filters or search functions to quickly locate and retrieve specific data or codes can greatly streamline the research process.

Data visualization tools

Visual representation of data can be a powerful tool for understanding complex patterns and relationships. QDA software that provides robust data visualization options, like graphs, models, or network diagrams, can be beneficial for interpreting and communicating your research findings.

Ensure the software can visualize data in a way that aligns with your analytical needs. Additionally, you can check if the software you employ can export data seamlessly to other programs like Microsoft Excel that can generate data visualizations that are useful to you.

Integration with other software

The ability to seamlessly integrate with other software can be a crucial factor in choosing QDA software. Many researchers use a variety of tools for data collection , data cleaning, qualitative and statistical analysis, and report writing .

A good software package should also be able to interface with statistical analysis software such as SPSS and reference management software like Zotero. Researchers tend to use different programs to address aspects of their research agenda (e.g., writing the report, creating the presentation, or conducting statistical analyses in mixed methods studies ), so it is important that the software they choose can seamlessly import data from or export data to all of the programs the researcher uses.

Inter-rater agreement features

Inter-rater agreement can powerfully bolster the trustworthiness of the findings. If your research involves multiple coders, you may want to consider QDA software that allows for comparing and analyzing the consistency between different coders. This feature can be very useful to verify coding systems or triangulate findings.

Software support and community

Good customer support and an active user community can be extremely valuable, especially when encountering difficulties or when learning how to use new features. Software with a responsive support team and a vibrant user community for knowledge exchange is likely to provide a smoother user experience.

Budget considerations

Budget constraints are a reality for many researchers. While there are high-cost, high-feature options, there is also affordable or even free QDA software that offers a decent range of features suitable for many research projects.

The key is to balance your budget with your needs. Be mindful that some software requires subscription fees, which might not be sustainable in the long term for some projects.

Software can save great time and effort in relatively mechanical processes of research. There are many dedicated programs of various kinds available to social researchers that can be used for a variety of different tasks.For example, software could locate particular words or phrases; make lists of words and put them into alphabetical order; insert key words or comments; or count occurrences of words or phrases.

In addition, qualitative analysis software can facilitate data management, analysis , and visualization . Harnessing such tools can make research not only more efficient but also more flexible by making it easier to explore different angles in the data.

Limitations of data analysis software

Some analysis software will retrieve text, analyze text, and help to build theory. Although a computer can undertake these mechanical processes, it cannot think about, judge, or interpret qualitative data.

While automated text analysis tools are improving at breathtaking speeds, they may have limitations with handling certain complex analytical processes, such as the nuanced consideration of cultural factors or the dynamism of human emotions. Using such tools also requires careful input and regular monitoring to ensure accurate coding and categorization, as automated processes can make mistakes or overlook subtleties.

Despite the many advantages QDA software offers, it's important to remember that it is a tool, not a replacement for the human researcher. While software can help manage and code data , the process of interpretation – of identifying patterns, making connections, and extracting meaning – is distinctly human. The researcher's subjectivity , intuition, and understanding of context are key elements in qualitative research , shaping rich, nuanced insights that software alone cannot produce.

For qualitative data analysis software, turn to ATLAS.ti

Qualitative research tools easily available at your fingertips, starting with a free trial.

This is the end of Part 2 of The Ultimate Guide to Qualitative Research. For Part 3 click here

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10 Best Qualitative Data Analysis Software of 2024

When the data presented has words and descriptions, we call it qualitative data. There are various qualitative data analysis software that allows you to do qualitative research in a complete way through various methods, be it online focus groups, surveys, polls, idea forums, interviews, discussion groups, and more.

In this blog, we will discuss the 10 best qualitative data analysis software. Through these tools, you will be able to interpret and analyze all this information effectively through reports for an easy presentation of the results of your studies.

What is qualitative data analysis software?

Qualitative data analysis software (QDAS) is a type of software designed to assist researchers, analysts, and professionals in managing, organizing, and analyzing non-numerical or qualitative data. 

Qualitative data refers to descriptive and text-based information, such as text documents, audio recordings, images, videos, and more. Unlike quantitative data analysis software that focuses on numerical data, qualitative data analysis tool is tailored to handle and interpret the complexities of qualitative data.

Qualitative data analysis tools provide a range of features and functionalities to help users make sense of their qualitative data. These software solutions often include text coding and categorization, data organization, search and retrieval capabilities, data visualization, collaboration tools, and more. 

By using qualitative data analysis software, researchers can uncover patterns, themes, and insights within large volumes of qualitative data, facilitating more informed decision-making and in-depth exploration of research topics.

Why should you use qualitative data analysis software?

Using qualitative data analysis software is essential for researchers and professionals who want to analyze and derive insights from qualitative data efficiently. Here are five key reasons why you should consider utilizing such tools:

Efficient analysis

Qualitative data analysis tools streamline the process of analyzing qualitative data, saving you time and effort. They are specifically designed to handle large volumes of textual data, making managing and processing diverse data sources easier.

Comprehensive insights

With these tools, you can conduct in-depth qualitative text analysis to uncover hidden patterns, sentiments, and themes within your data. This enables you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your research topic or business problem.

Mixed methods capability

Qualitative data analysis tools often support qualitative and mixed methods data analysis, allowing you to integrate both qualitative and quantitative data. This holistic approach provides a well-rounded perspective and enriches your findings.

Statistical analysis

Some tools offer statistical analysis features, enabling you to quantitatively analyze qualitative research data. This is particularly useful when you need to validate qualitative insights with statistical rigor, enhancing the credibility of your findings.

Collaboration and reporting

These tools facilitate collaboration among research teams and streamline the sharing of insights. You can easily collaborate with colleagues, share findings, and generate comprehensive reports to communicate your results effectively.

Incorporating a qualitative data analysis tool into your research or business processes empowers you to delve deeper into your data, make informed decisions, and present findings clearly and compellingly

Best 10 qualitative data analysis software

Let’s explore the top 10 qualitative data analysis software solutions, delving into tools that decode the richness of unstructured information and unlock invaluable insights.

01. QuestionPro

QuestionPro is a versatile qualitative data analysis software that empowers businesses to gain deeper insights from customer feedback. Its comprehensive suite of tools enables efficient data collection from surveys, reviews, and other sources. 

While primarily known for its robust survey capabilities, QuestionPro’s qualitative analysis features make it a valuable tool for businesses seeking comprehensive customer insights.

Best features:

• Effective data visualization and analysis
• Text analysis
• Sentiment analysis
• Word cloud generation
• Feedback analysis
• Create detailed surveys with customization options and various question formats.
• Immediate insights into customer sentiments through real-time sentiment analysis.
• Automated sentiment analysis categorizes responses as positive, negative, or neutral.

MAXQDA stands out as a comprehensive qualitative data analysis software designed to handle a wide range of customer data. It excels in analyzing diverse data formats such as interviews, surveys, videos, and social media content.

• Multi-format data import (text, audio, video)
• Advanced coding and tagging
• Visual data exploration
• Mixed methods analysis support
• Easily import and analyze diverse data formats, offering flexibility in the research scope.
• Allows researchers to combine qualitative and quantitative data for more holistic insights.
• Offers various coding methods for a nuanced analysis of qualitative data.
• The free version might be limited; access to advanced features requires a license.

03. Quirkos

Quirkos offers a unique approach to qualitative data analysis, emphasizing comparative analysis. This software enables side-by-side comparisons of data, facilitating the identification of trends and customer behavior patterns.

• Comparative analysis
• Drag-and-drop coding
• Real-time visualization
• Theme color customization
• Integration with SPSS, Word, Excel
• Compatible with multiple operating systems, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
• The drag-and-drop coding and color coding features enhance user experience.
• Color-coded themes enable quick identification and analysis of data segments.
• Some advanced analysis tools available in other software might be missing in Quirkos.
• Quirkos might not have advanced AI-driven features for automated sentiment analysis or data insights.

04. Raven’s Eye

Raven’s Eye stands out as a qualitative data analysis software with a focus on natural language data processing. This software’s unique feature is its audio converter, which transforms audio files into text, allowing for in-depth analysis of customer interviews.

• Natural language audio and text analysis
• Real-time data processing
• Transcription of audio files
• A unique feature to convert audio to text for in-depth analysis, particularly useful for interview data.
• Supports text analysis in numerous languages, enhancing its usability for global data.
• Provides valuable insights into customer behavior through text and spoken word analysis.
• The accuracy of audio-to-text conversion might be affected by audio quality, leading to potential errors.
• The accuracy of insights heavily relies on the quality and quantity of data input.

05. Square Feedback

Square Feedback emerges as a valuable free customer feedback collection tool that extends its capabilities to qualitative data analysis. This tool efficiently collects feedback from surveys, enabling businesses to analyze customer responses and gauge satisfaction levels.

• Integration with digital receipts
• Historical data comparison
• Private tracking of customer comments
• Simplifies the process of collecting customer feedback through surveys and digital receipts.
• Offers the option to track and analyze customer comments and responses privately.
• Presents customer insights in visually appealing charts and graphs for better understanding.
• It focuses primarily on qualitative customer feedback and may lack advanced analytical capabilities.

LiGRE, a versatile qualitative data analysis software, caters to a wide user base, including students, researchers, and business professionals. Offering both free and premium plans, LiGRE excels in analyzing interviews and extensive text datasets.

• Automatic transcription (audio and video)
• Survey building and data merging
• Multimedia data support
• Collaboration via LiGRE laboratory
• Streamlines the process of transcribing audio and video files, saving time and effort.
• Simplifies the creation of surveys to gather qualitative data directly from participants.
• Provides a collaborative platform for teams to work together on qualitative research projects.
• Users might require some time to learn and adapt to the features and functionalities.
• May face limitations when handling complex projects with extensive data sources.
• Requires compatible hardware and software for efficient usage.

07. QDA Miner Lite

QDA Miner Lite, a user-friendly qualitative data analysis software, offers a simplified approach to analyzing interviews, open-ended responses, journals, and more. This tool is particularly advantageous for researchers seeking to uncover intricate patterns and insights within qualitative data.

• Easy coding, retrieval, and review of data
• Visual presentation of results
• Support for various data formats
• Mixed methods analysis
• Equips users with tools to analyze and code text data efficiently.
• Supports analysis of diverse data types, enhancing research capabilities.
• Enables precise retrieval of specific text segments for analysis.
• New users may need time to learn and proficiently use the software.

08. Dedoose

Dedoose is a comprehensive qualitative data analysis software that caters to both qualitative and mixed-method research. It empowers researchers, professionals, and students to analyze various data types, including text, audio, images, videos, and surveys.

• Qualitative and mixed method analysis
• Interactive visual presentations
• Advanced analytics tools
• Suitable for researchers requiring both qualitative and quantitative insights.
• It presents data in visually engaging formats for better understanding.
• It supports coding and analysis of various types of media and data.
• New users may require time to familiarize themselves with the software’s features.
• Users might face limitations on data export formats or options.

09. Glimpse

Glimpse stands out as a valuable qualitative data analysis software for customer success teams seeking to gain deep insights into consumer behaviors. This user-friendly tool incorporates qualitative sentiment analysis surveys to collect and analyze data from various sources, such as customer feedback and reviews.

• Qualitative sentiment analysis
• Real-time data collection and analysis
• Cross-platform data collection
• Enables understanding of customer emotions and sentiments.
• Collects data from diverse platforms for a holistic view.
• Presents insights visually, aiding quick understanding.
• Utilizes machine learning for more in-depth analysis.
• Handling machine learning and what-if analysis might be complex for some users.
• Machine learning and advanced features might require some technical expertise.

10. HubSpot

HubSpot offers a comprehensive customer feedback tool that serves as qualitative data analysis software, enabling businesses to gather and analyze insights from surveys and customer reviews.

• Customer feedback analysis
• NPS surveys integration
• Real-time data visualization
• Integrates with NPS surveys, streamlining the collection of customer feedback.
• Provides visual representations of customer insights for better understanding.
• Collects and analyzes both quantitative and qualitative customer feedback.
• It may lack advanced analysis features compared to specialized tools.
• Primarily designed for customer feedback analysis, it might not cover other data types.

Why is QuestionPro the best qualitative data analysis software?

QuestionPro stands out as the premier choice for qualitative data analysis software, especially for analyzing survey responses and conducting mixed-methods research. Several key factors underscore its supremacy:

• Effective data visualization and analysis: QuestionPro offers robust tools to visualize and analyze data efficiently. Researchers can transform raw data into insightful graphs, charts, and dashboards that facilitate clear comprehension of trends and patterns.
• Text analysis: With its advanced text analysis capabilities, QuestionPro allows users to delve into textual data, uncovering underlying themes and sentiments. This aids in understanding customers’ opinions, preferences, and feedback.
• Sentiment analysis: The software’s sentiment analysis feature goes beyond simple text processing. It discerns emotional tones and attitudes within responses, enabling researchers to accurately gauge customer satisfaction and sentiment.
• Word cloud: The inclusion of word clouds enhances qualitative analysis by visually representing frequently occurring words in a dataset. This feature enables quick identification of prominent themes and concepts.
• Feedback analysis: QuestionPro excels in feedback analysis, enabling researchers to extract valuable insights from open-ended responses. This is crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of customers’ thoughts and suggestions.
• Image analysis: With image analysis capabilities, QuestionPro extends its reach to include multimedia content. This is particularly beneficial when analyzing visual feedback or incorporating image-based data into research.
• Integrations: QuestionPro’s seamless integration capabilities allow researchers to connect their analysis with other tools and platforms. This feature fosters a cohesive research workflow, enhancing the overall efficiency of the qualitative data analysis process.

QuestionPro’s qualitative software offers an all-encompassing solution for survey responses and mixed methods research. Its array of features ensures effective data analysis, making it the best choice for researchers seeking comprehensive and insightful analysis tools. Contact QuestionPro to schedule a demo or learn more!

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The world’s most powerful AI-based qualitative data analysis solution.

QualAI utilizes advanced AI technology to increase researcher efficiency, enhance data reliability, and mitigate bias.

researchers

QualAI aids researchers with data codification, thematic analyses, and content summaries to increase data reliability and mitigate bias.

organizations

QualAI helps organizations with market research, consumer analysis, business development, data aggregation and interpretation.

See how QualAI helps students analyze large-scale qualitative data sets, codify transcripts, and generate themes to reduce bias and increase efficiency.

ERIK ALANSON, Ph.d.

Co-Founder, QualAI

Academic Researcher

University Professor

tonkia bridges, ed.d.

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8 Great Tools To Perform Qualitative Data Analysis in 2022

Collecting qualitative customer data unlocks a potential goldmine of growth for your organization.

That is, if you know what to do with it. 

Qualitative data tells you how your customers feel and what they want from you. Examining your customer’s experience (CX) and putting the customer at the center of everything you do is likely to lead to an increase in your bottom line. 

However, in order to extract meaningful insights, you have to effectively analyze the data you collect. For this you’ll need the right qualitative data analysis tools.

Traditionally these tools were used exclusively by data specialists or analysts. Nowadays, however, data is so ubiquitous that even those outside of those remits can find themselves needing to make sense of large amounts of data. 

There are a lot of options out there and choosing the ideal software for your needs is not always easy. Here we’ll explain exactly what qualitative data analysis software is, then talk you through some of the best tools on the market. . 

What is Qualitative Data Analysis Software?

The 8 best qualitative data analysis software.

In order to understand what qualitative software can do for us, we need to start with what qualitative data actually is. 

Essentially, qualitative data is data that is non-numerical. It is descriptive and conceptual. Qualitative data is collected from a number of different sources. Some popular types include interviews, focus groups, surveys, e-mails, customer feedback, customer service tickets, observation notes, and phone calls.

This data, when it comes back to you, can be immense. Qualitative data analysis tools can help you organize, process, and analyze data for actionable insights. 

Qualitative data analysis software is used across a wide range of sectors and industries such as healthcare, the legal industry, e-commerce businesses, marketing departments - and everything in between. If your company has large amounts of data, you most likely need QDA software. 

The functionality of these tools varies greatly. At one end of the spectrum, you have software which allows you to tag and highlight important parts of your research. At the other end you have the fastest, most efficient kinds of software which employ the help of artificial intelligence to help you tag, analyze and visualize your research at record speed. 

Let’s jump straight into the ins and outs of 8 of the best qualitative data analysis tools out there.

Here is our list of the 8 top qualitative data analysis software. 

• MAXQDA - A well-established, reliable QDA Software 
• NVivo - Intuitive software offering some automation 
• ATLAS.ti - A powerful QA tool that offers some AI-improved functions 
• QDA Miner - Offers both a free and paid version 
• Quirkos - An easy to use, simplified tool 
• Dedoose - A tool that enables collaboration and team work
• Taguette - A free, open-source, data organization option 
• MonkeyLearn - AI-powered, qualitative analysis and visualization tool 

MAXQDA is a qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method data analysis tool. It lets you input data from a range of sources such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups to name a few. You can then tag and categorize this data for analysis. 

Best for:  In their words, MAXQDA was “created by researchers, for researchers.” This is across the education, non-profit and commercial sectors. 

Strengths: It’s easy to use and can support a number of different languages. It also uses AI to help users with audio transcription. 

This software was founded in 1989, so they have been around for a while and you can trust that their offerings are reliable. 

Weaknesses: Using it collaboratively in a team is not easy as individual users have to save their work and then merge the versions. This can be cumbersome. It’s also not the most attractive to look at compared with other software. 

Pricing: They have three different pricing plans that come with both an annual and perpetual price. They also offer a free trial. You can find more information here .

Like MAXQDA, NVivo is a software tool that allows its users to organize and store their qualitative data ready for analysis. You can also import word docs, PDFs, audio, images, and video. 

Best for: Researchers or academics looking for software with autocoding. 

Strengths: The interface is easy to use and is quite like Microsoft - this makes it instantly familiar and intuitive for many users. It’s much more powerful than some other offerings and offers automated transcription and autocoding. 

Weakness: NVivo struggles with languages that have characters, this isn’t a problem, for instance, for MAXQDA. 

While it is powerful compared to some of its competitors like Taguette, it doesn’t have the power to work with large data sets. After you’ve coded your data, you will still have to analyze your data manually, which could take a long time. 

Pricing: The price will vary according to a few factors, for example, whether you are a student or whether you are purchasing for an organization. More information can be found here.

3. ATLAS.ti

ATLAS.ti is a powerful QDA software tool, it supports large bodies of textual, graphical, audio and video data. Unlike other software in this category such as Quirkos, it has incorporated AI technology as it has evolved. 

Best for: This is best for research organizations, corporations, and academic institutions due to the extra AI features and the added cost.   

Strengths: Its interface is cleaner and sleeker than both Nvivo and MAXQDA, and collaboration is easier than in MAXQDA. It is also more powerful, boating both sentiment analysis and autocoding. 

Weakness: It can get expensive for individual users (such as students). Some users have also complained that the coding features are not that intuitive. 

Pricing: They offer a free trial and an extensive amount of licensing options based on sector and individual needs. More information can be found here.

4. QDA Miner

QDA Miner is a qualitative and mixed-method software that helps you to organize, code and analyze your data. They offer both a paid and free version called QDA Miner Lite.

Best for: Those looking for advanced visualizations and who are working alone.

Strengths: The latest version, QDA Miner 6, which was released in 2020, can link up with Tableau, a top data visualization tool , to give you an array of visualization options. 

Weakness:   QDA Miner doesn’t allow for collaboration which would be a big drawback if you are working on data with a team. Within the free version, the import and export functions are limited, as are the analysis functions. However, it might be enough to get you started or if you’re looking to test the waters. 

Pricing: They offer a number of packages according to sector and needs. Find details here.

Quirkos describes itself as a simple software tool that can help in the analysis of qualitative data. It is affordable and is popular within the education sector.  

Best for: Students and academics. 

Strengths: Quirkos offers a free trial which can be great if you are not sure what software is right for you. It’s also more affordable than some of the more advanced options like Atlas.ti. The drag and drop text functions make it simple and easy to use. You can also work collaboratively in Quirkos, and in real time.

Weakness: Its simplicity means that it offers less functionality. You have to code manually and this could be a deal-breaker if you have a lot of data. It also has fewer import options than other software. 

Pricing: There are three different options. Student, academic, commercial. Prices vary according to version and whether you want it cloud or offline. You can find more information here.

Dedoose is a 100% web-based tool for qualitative analysis. It was created by academics from UCLA and was designed to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data. It’s capable of importing data from a range of different formats, including documents, images, audio, video, and spreadsheets. 

Best for: Those who want a fully web based option where they can easily collaborate with team members.

Strengths: This software is team-oriented and user-friendly. It’s easy to import both text and visual data. It’s also compatible with mobile. 

Weakness: While they boast affordability, Dedoose can work out to be more expensive than other software as they only charge a monthly fee rather than a yearly license. The fact that it’s 100% web based may also be a negative for some. Like Quirkos, there is no AI or machine learning used in this tool. 

Pricing: Dedoose offers different prices depending on whether you’re an individual, student or group. More information can be found here.

7. Taguette

Taguette is a free open source qualitative data analysis tool that allows you to tag your data so you can then export it for analysis. 

Best for: Those looking for a basic, free option to organize their data for analysis. 

Strengths: It is very simple and easy to use. The fact that it’s open-source is also beneficial for many. It offers both an online and local version. 

Weakness: The fact that it is so simple means some drawbacks. Taguette doesn’t support images or video like some of the others. It also comes with zero automation compared to some of the bigger players and can’t analyze your data for you. 

Pricing: Taguette is free to use.

8. MonkeyLearn

MonkeyLearn is a powerful qualitative analysis software. It differs from most of the tools we have listed here in that it harnesses the power of AI and machine learning to make your data analysis process as efficient as possible. 

It offers an intuitive no-code interface that gets you to the stage of analyzing and visualizing your data in much less time. It’s also useful if you are not a data expert and you don’t have hours to spend coding manually or if, due to the size of your datasets, it’s simply impossible to do so. 

The MonkeyLearn Studio comes with pre-trained text analysis models, or, for more accurate insights, you can go ahead and build your own with your data and criteria. 

Once you’ve chosen your model you can start uploading your data from a range of options. Then you’ll be able to analyze this data with different tools like keyword extractor , feedback classifier , or sentiment analyzer . 

With that done, you can then view all your analysis in the interactive Studio dashboard (pictured below).

You can also learn more about our pricing and plans here . 

There are a number of qualitative data analysis software out there which will suit different needs. However, many of these tools require you to manually code your data in order to analyze it. 

If you are not that comfortable with coding or if you are working with datasets so large that this level of manual work is not feasible, you’ll need a tool like MonkeyLearn to help you process your qualitative data. 

MonkeyLearn provides a high level of automation, while still allowing you control of your data. This can make all the difference in terms of speed and cost. You can use your regained time to really understand the insights that crop up. 

Sign up for a free trial today to see how you can use MonkeyLearn Studio to best analyze your qualitative data.

Rachel Wolff

September 29th, 2021

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webQDA – Qualitative Data Analysis Software

webQDA is a qualitative, web-based data analysis software intended for all researchers and professionals conducting qualitative research. webQDA allows you to analyze text, image, video, audio, tables, PDF files, Youtube videos, etc. in a collaborative, synchronous or asynchronous manner.

and intuitive

Collaborative

environment

Price adjusted

to your needs

Easy Importing of Projects

With webQDA Software you can import your projects quickly and easily. Get to work right away.

Intuitive software

The Platform makes your user experience unique, making your day-to-day work easier.

100% online

Work on your Projects on any device with internet access.

100% compatible

The Platform is compatible with all existing operating systems.

Total data security

Work in a safe environment!

Seven Essential Steps (Cross-cutting Subtasks) for Qualitative Data Analysis with Integration of webQDA Software

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Using Software in Qualitative Research A Step-by-Step Guide

• Christina Silver - University of Surrey, UK, Qualitative Data Analysis Services, UK
• Ann Lewins - Qualitative Data Analysis Services (QDAS)
• Description
• HyperRESEARCH

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

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Free resources on the companion website:

• Case study sample data
• Step-by-step software guides for ATLAS.ti, Dedoose, HyperRESEARCH, MAXQDA, NVivo, QDA miner and Transana 
• Illustrations from the book  

This book is essential reading for anyone navigating the complex and exciting terrain of qualitative data analysis software.  Silver and Lewins emphasize the importance of data preparation; being familiar with one’s software program before starting analysis; and being reflective, methodologically purposeful, and fluid in how one uses the available features of a given program.

This is a timely update to the best volume of its kind. Christina Silver and Anne Lewins have brought their detailed and uniquely balanced account of the landscape of qualitative research, and the functions of software therein, into sharp contemporary focus. This is not only an invaluable practical guidebook for newcomers to CAQDAS, but also an essential reference text for the more seasoned qualitative researcher.

The new edition is extraordinarily authoritative and seriously useful, detailed yet unfailingly interesting.  It brings methodological goals and software possibilities  together in a more accessible and lively way. With thorough and practical website resources it will be an essential reference for anyone wondering about software use - and that of course is everyone doing qualitative research.! It confronts the reader firmly with the challenges and complexities of qualitative work and the power, mixed offerings and sometimes considerable limitations of existing software. It's so carefully written, and the authors' voices are so clear, that it encourages, steadily explains and assists. The authors' enthusiasm and unique experience and knowledge of the field shine through, so against all odds for such a technical work, this book is a bloody good read!

This book is recommendable for all researchers and practitioners in different scientific fields – psychology, sociology, literature, etc. – for all who deal with qualitative and mixed methods for data processing, interpretation and presentation. 

This publication is an impressive and exhaustive undertaking (with a book, three data sets consisting of many different types of data, and detailed instructions for seven CAQDAS programs), particularly given the depth, breadth, and ever changing nature of this field. The authors are to be commended for tackling this very challenging topic... Researchers who choose to both immerse themselves in the book and take advantage of the online resources and related exercises will be richly rewarded.

This is an outstanding introduction to an integral aspect of doing qualitative research using a range of software. Critical, engaging, challenging but ultimately informative and supportive.

Good guidance for qualitative analysis supported by software. Useful for researchers and students engaged in qualitative surveys.

Out of date and confusing. Several CAQDAS products are discussed side-by-side, so not easy to follow.

A very useful introduction to the key software for qualitative data analysis. The focus is on introducing these tools in a practical & simplified way. I will be adding to my reading lists.

Thorough and comprehensive, much updated since the the previous version, Title is accurate and appropriate; it is a step-by-step guide, essential reading for any student considering using software for analysis

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Chapter One: Qualitative Data Analysis and CAQDAS

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Elevate your qualitative research with cutting-edge Qualitative Coding Software

MAXQDA is your go-to solution for qualitative coding, setting the standard as the top choice among Qualitative Coding Software. This powerful software is meticulously designed to accommodate a diverse array of data formats, including text, audio, and video, while offering an extensive toolkit tailored specifically for qualitative coding endeavors. Whether your research demands data categorization, thematic visualization, mixed-methods analysis, or quantitative content examination, MAXQDA empowers you to seamlessly uncover the profound insights crucial for your qualitative research.

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Revolutionize Your Research: Unleash the Power of Qualitative Coding Software

Qualitative coding software is an essential companion for researchers and analysts seeking to delve deeper into their qualitative data. MAXQDA’s user-friendly interface and versatile feature set make it the ideal tool for those embarking on qualitative coding journeys. Its capabilities span across various data types, ensuring you have the tools required to effectively organize, analyze, and interpret your qualitative data.

Developed by and for researchers – since 1989

Having used several qualitative data analysis software programs, there is no doubt in my mind that MAXQDA has advantages over all the others. In addition to its remarkable analytical features for harnessing data, MAXQDA’s stellar customer service, online tutorials, and global learning community make it a user friendly and top-notch product.

Sally S. Cohen – NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing

Qualitative Coding is Faster and Smarter with MAXQDA

MAXQDA makes qualitative coding faster and easier than ever before. Code and analyze all kinds of data – from texts to images and audio/video files, websites, tweets, focus group discussions, survey responses, and much more. MAXQDA is at once powerful and easy-to-use, innovative and user-friendly, as well as the only leading qualitative coding software that is 100% identical on Windows and Mac.

As your all-in-one Qualitative Coding Software, MAXQDA can be used to manage your entire research project. Easily import a wide range of data types such as texts, interviews, focus groups, PDFs, web pages, spreadsheets, articles, e-books, bibliographic data, videos, audio files, and even social media data. Organize your data in groups, link relevant quotes to each other, make use of MAXQDA’s wide range of coding possibilities for all kind of data and for coding inductively as well as deductively. Your project file stays flexible and you can expand and refine your category system as you go to suit your research.

Qualitative coding made easy

Coding qualitative data lies at the heart of many qualitative data analysis methods. That’s why MAXQDA offers many possibilities for coding qualitative data. Simply drag and drop codes from the code system to the highlighted text segment or use highlighters to mark important passages, if you don’t have a name for your category yet. Of course, you can apply your codes and highlighters to many more data types, such as audio and video clips, or social media data. In addition, MAXQDA permits many further ways of coding qualitative data. For example, you can assign symbols and emojis to your data segments.

Tools tailor made for coding inductively

Besides theory-driven qualitative data analysis, MAXQDA as an all-in-one qualitative coding software strives to empower researchers that rely on data-driven approaches for coding qualitative data inductively. Use the in-vivo coding tool to select and highlight meaningful terms in a text and automatically add them as codes in your code system while coding the text segment with the code, or use MAXQDA’s handy paraphrase mode to summarize the material in your own words and inductively form new categories. In addition, a segment can also be assigned to a new (free) code which enables researchers to employ a Grounded Theory approach.

Organize your code system

When coding your qualitative data, you can easily get lost. But with MAXQDA as your qualitative coding software, you will never lose track of the bigger picture. Create codes with just one click and apply them to your data quickly via drag & drop. Organize your code system to up to 10 levels and use colors to directly distinguish categories. If you want to code your data in more than one perspective, code sets are the way to go. Your project file stays flexible and you can expand and refine your category system as you go to suit your research.

Further ways of coding qualitative data

MAXQDA offers many more functionalities to facilitate the coding of your data. That’s why researchers all around the world use MAXQDA as their qualitative coding software. Select and highlight meaningful terms in a text and automatically add them as codes in your code system, code your material using self-defined keyboard shortcuts, code a text passage via color coding, or use hundreds of symbols and emoticons to code important text segments. Search for keywords in your text and let MAXQDA automatically code them or recode coded segments directly from the retrieved segments window. With the unique Smart Coding tool reviewing and customizing your categorization system never has been this easy.

Creative coding

Coding qualitative data can be overwhelming, but with MAXQDA as your qualitative coding software, you have an easy-to-use solution. In case you created many codes which in hindsight vary greatly in their scope and level of abstraction, MAXQDA is there to help. Creative coding effectively supports the creative process of generating, sorting, and organizing your codes to create a logical structure for your code system. The graphic surface of MAXMaps – MAXQDA’s tool for creating concept maps – is the ideal place to move codes, form meaningful groups and insert parent codes. Of course, MAXQDA automatically transfers changes made in Creative Coding Mode to your Code System.

Visualize your qualitative coding and data

As an all-in-one Qualitative Coding Software, MAXQDA offers a variety of visual tools that are tailor-made for qualitative research. Create stunning visualizations to analyze your material. Of course, you can export your visualizations in various formats to enrich your final report. Visualize the progression of themes with the Codeline, use the Word Cloud to explore key terms and the central themes, or make use of the graphical representation possibilities of MAXMaps, which in particular permit the creation of concept maps. Thanks to the interactive connection between your visualizations with your MAXQDA data, you’ll never lose sight of the big picture.

AI Assist: Qualitative coding software meets AI

AI Assist – your virtual research assistant – supports your qualitative coding with various tools. AI Assist simplifies your work by automatically analyzing and summarizing elements of your research project and by generating suggestions for subcodes. No matter which AI tool you use – you can customize your results to suit your needs.

Free tutorials and guides on qualitative coding software

MAXQDA offers a variety of free learning resources for qualitative coding, making it easy for both beginners and advanced users to learn how to use the software. From free video tutorials and webinars to step-by-step guides and sample projects, these resources provide a wealth of information to help you understand the features and functionality of MAXQDA as qualitative coding software. For beginners, the software’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive help center make it easy to get started with your data analysis, while advanced users will appreciate the detailed guides and tutorials that cover more complex features and techniques. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced researcher, MAXQDA’s free learning resources will help you get the most out of your qualitative coding software.

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Get your maxqda license, compare the features of maxqda and maxqda analytics pro, faq: qualitative coding software.

When it comes to qualitative coding software, MAXQDA stands out as a top choice for researchers. MAXQDA is a comprehensive qualitative data analysis tool that offers a wide range of features designed to streamline the coding process and assist researchers in making sense of their qualitative data.

MAXQDA’s user-friendly interface and robust set of tools make it a reliable and powerful option for qualitative coding tasks, making it a popular choice among researchers.

One highly recommended software tool for coding qualitative data is MAXQDA. MAXQDA provides researchers with a set of tools for analyzing and interpreting their qualitative data, making it an excellent choice for qualitative coding tasks.

MAXQDA offers a range of features, including text analysis and data visualization, making it a comprehensive solution for qualitative data analysis.

Coding qualitative data involves systematically categorizing and labeling segments of your data to identify themes, patterns, and trends. MAXQDA simplifies this process by providing an intuitive interface and tools specifically designed for qualitative coding tasks.

To code qualitative data with MAXQDA, you typically follow these steps:

• Import your qualitative data into MAXQDA, such as interview transcripts, survey responses, or text documents.
• Read through your data to gain a deep understanding of the content.
• Identify keywords, phrases, or themes relevant to your research objectives.
• Create codes in MAXQDA to represent these keywords, phrases, or themes.
• Apply the created codes to specific segments of your data by highlighting or selecting the relevant text.

MAXQDA’s flexibility and organization features make it an excellent choice for coding qualitative data efficiently and effectively.

Qualitative coding methods are techniques used to analyze and categorize qualitative data. These methods help researchers make sense of the data and identify key themes, patterns, and insights. MAXQDA supports various qualitative coding methods, making it a versatile tool for researchers.

Some common qualitative coding methods include:

• Thematic Coding: This involves identifying and categorizing recurring themes or topics in the data.
• Content Analysis: Researchers analyze the content of the data to understand its meaning and context.
• Grounded Theory: A systematic approach to developing theories based on the data itself.
• Framework Analysis: A method for structuring and analyzing large amounts of qualitative data.
• Constant Comparative Analysis: Comparing new data with existing data to refine codes and categories.

MAXQDA’s tools and features are designed to support these coding methods, allowing researchers to choose the approach that best suits their research goals.

Qualitative coding is the process of systematically analyzing and categorizing qualitative data to identify patterns, themes, and insights. It involves assigning codes or labels to specific segments of qualitative data, such as interview transcripts, survey responses, or text documents. These codes help researchers organize and make sense of the data, facilitating data interpretation and the extraction of meaningful information.

MAXQDA is a valuable tool for qualitative coding as it provides researchers with the means to create, apply, and manage codes efficiently, allowing for a more structured and rigorous analysis of qualitative data.

For Mac users looking for qualitative coding software, MAXQDA is an excellent choice. MAXQDA offers a Mac version of its software that is fully compatible with macOS, providing Mac users with a seamless qualitative data analysis experience.

With MAXQDA for Mac, researchers can take advantage of all the features and capabilities that make MAXQDA a top choice in qualitative coding software. Whether you’re conducting research on a Mac computer or prefer the Mac environment, MAXQDA is a reliable and efficient solution.

For students venturing into qualitative research, MAXQDA is an ideal qualitative coding software choice. MAXQDA offers a user-friendly interface and a range of resources designed to support students in their research journey. It provides academic licenses at affordable prices, making it accessible to students on a budget.

MAXQDA’s intuitive design and comprehensive features empower students to code, analyze, and interpret qualitative data effectively. It also offers educational resources and tutorials to help students get started with qualitative research and coding.

Qualitative coding software, such as MAXQDA, offers a range of key features that are essential for effective qualitative data analysis. Some of the key features of qualitative coding software include:

• Code Management: The ability to create, organize, and manage codes for data segmentation.
• Data Import: The capability to import various types of qualitative data, including text, audio, and video files.
• Annotation Tools: Tools for adding comments, annotations, and notes to the data for context and analysis.
• Data Visualization: Graphs, charts, and visual aids to represent and explore data patterns.
• Search and Retrieval: Efficient search functions to locate specific data segments or codes within large datasets.
• Collaboration Tools: Features for collaborative coding and analysis with team members.
• Reporting and Export: The ability to generate reports, export data, and share findings with others.

MAXQDA excels in offering these features and more, making it a comprehensive solution for qualitative coding and analysis.

Qualitative coding software, like MAXQDA, plays a crucial role in assisting researchers with qualitative data interpretation. Here’s how:

1. Structure and Organization: Coding software helps researchers organize their qualitative data into manageable segments by assigning codes and categories. This structured approach facilitates easier data interpretation by breaking down complex information into meaningful units.

2. Pattern Recognition: By coding and categorizing data, researchers can quickly identify patterns, trends, and recurring themes. MAXQDA’s tools allow for easy visualization of these patterns, aiding in data interpretation.

3. Cross-Referencing: Qualitative coding software allows researchers to cross-reference data segments, codes, and categories. This cross-referencing helps in exploring relationships and connections within the data, leading to deeper insights.

4. Collaboration: Collaborative coding and analysis tools in software like MAXQDA enable researchers to work together, share interpretations, and refine their understanding of the data collectively.

In summary, qualitative coding software streamlines the process of data interpretation by providing tools and features that enhance the researcher’s ability to uncover meaningful insights from qualitative data.

Yes, qualitative coding software, including MAXQDA, is suitable for both beginners and experienced researchers. MAXQDA is known for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to those who are new to qualitative research and coding.

For beginners, MAXQDA provides educational resources and tutorials to help them get started with qualitative data analysis. It offers a gentle learning curve, allowing novice researchers to quickly grasp the essentials of coding and analysis.

Experienced researchers benefit from MAXQDA’s advanced features and capabilities. It offers a robust set of tools for in-depth analysis, data visualization, and complex coding tasks. Researchers with extensive experience can leverage these features to enhance the rigor and depth of their qualitative research.

In essence, MAXQDA caters to researchers at all levels, making it a versatile choice for qualitative coding.

Qualitative coding can be done without software, but it can be a more time-consuming and labor-intensive process. When coding without software, researchers typically rely on manual methods such as highlighting, underlining, or physically tagging segments of printed text.

However, using qualitative coding software like MAXQDA offers several advantages. It streamlines the coding process, provides tools for efficient organization and retrieval of coded data, and offers features like data visualization and collaboration. These benefits can significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of qualitative coding.

While it’s possible to code qualitatively without software, utilizing a dedicated tool like MAXQDA can save researchers time and effort and lead to more rigorous and comprehensive data analysis.