What is the most effective way to use ATLAS.ti for qualitative data analysis?

1 Choose your project type

Before you start importing and analyzing your data, you need to decide what kind of project you want to create in ATLAS.ti. There are two main types: local and cloud. A local project is stored on your computer or a removable device, and you can work on it offline. A cloud project is stored online, and you can access it from any device with an internet connection. You can also collaborate with other researchers and share your data and findings. Depending on your research goals, data sources, and team size, you can choose the project type that suits you best.

2 Import and organize your data

Once you have created your project, you can import your data into ATLAS.ti. You can import different types of data, such as text, audio, video, images, PDFs, or web pages. You can also import transcripts of audio or video files, and link them to the original sources. To organize your data, you can create groups, bundles, or networks of documents. You can also assign attributes to your documents, such as date, location, or category. This will help you filter and sort your data later.

4 Query your data

Querying is another essential step in qualitative data analysis. It involves asking questions to your data and finding answers based on your codes, attributes, or documents. ATLAS.ti offers a range of query tools, such as simple search, code-cooccurrence, code-document, or code-frequency. You can also use the query editor to create complex queries using Boolean operators, filters, or weights. Querying helps you explore your data, test your hypotheses, and discover new insights.

5 Visualize your data

Visualizing is a useful step in qualitative data analysis. It involves creating graphical representations of your data and findings, such as charts, maps, networks, or models. ATLAS.ti enables you to create different types of visualizations, such as code networks, document networks, geocoding maps, or semantic models. You can also customize your visualizations by changing the layout, color, shape, or size of the elements. Visualizing helps you communicate your data, illustrate your arguments, and generate new ideas.

6 Report your data

Reporting is the final step in qualitative data analysis. It involves presenting and explaining your data and findings, such as quotes, codes, queries, or visualizations. ATLAS.ti allows you to export your data and findings in various formats, such as Word, Excel, PDF, or HTML. You can also use the report manager to create and edit reports within ATLAS.ti. You can also add comments, annotations, or memos to your data and findings. Reporting helps you share your data, justify your conclusions, and contribute to your field.