ATLAS.ti is a software program designed for qualitative data analysis (QDA). It is commonly used in social sciences, psychology, anthropology, and other fields where researchers need to analyze and interpret textual, visual, audio, and video data. The software provides a platform for organizing, coding and analyzing qualitative data systematically and efficiently.
Key features of ATLAS.ti include:
- Data management: ATLAS.ti allows researchers to import and organize various data types, including text documents, images, audio recordings, and video files.
- Coding: Users can code or label data segments to identify themes, concepts, or patterns, which helps organize and categorize information for analysis.
- Querying and retrieval: Researchers can use the software to search for specific codes or patterns within their data, enabling efficient retrieval of relevant information.
- Visualization: ATLAS.ti provides tools for visualizing relationships and connections within the coded data, such as through networks, charts, and graphs.
- Collaboration: The software supports collaborative work, allowing numerous researchers to work on the same project simultaneously.
- Documenting and memos: Researchers can add comments, annotations, and memos to record their thought processes and insights during the analysis.
- Report generation: ATLAS.ti assists in generating reports and presentations based on the analyzed data, making it easier to communicate findings to others.
Overall, ATLAS.ti is a valuable tool for researchers engaged in qualitative research, helping them manage and analyze complex data sets to uncover meaningful insights and patterns.
List of recommended resources #
For a broad overview #
Utilizing Qualitative Data Analysis Software: A Review of Atlas.ti
This review article by Sungsoo Hwang offers a case study of utilizing a QDA software package, with two examples of research presented to show how to utilize Atlas.ti. The review serves as a practical guide for qualitative researchers who are beginning to use the QDA software Atlas.ti.
Video: Overview of ATLAS ti Web
This video tutorial on YouTube by ATLAS.ti – Qualitative Data Analysis provides an overview of the features of the web version of the qualitative data analysis software.
For in depth understanding #
Authored by Dr. Susanne Friese, this handbook published by ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development gives an in-depth understanding of the qualitative data analysis software. It provides a detailed explanation of the various steps of operating the software, the tools and resources available, and the various operations that can be performed.
Using Software in Qualitative Research: A Step-by-Step Guide
Written by Christina Silver and Ann Lewins, this book provides an essential introduction to the practice and principles of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS). Some of the major software programs discussed by Silver and Lewins include ATLAS.ti, DEDOOSE, HyperRESEARCH, MAXQDA, NVivo etc.
Case study #
Qualitative analysis of student assignments: a practical look at ATLAS.ti
This article by B.Jane Scales reviews the basic principles of qualitative data analysis, and examines the practical application of these principles to analyze student assignments using the ATLAS.ti software.
Using ATLAS.ti for Analyzing the Financial Crisis Data
This article by Susanne Friese aims to find out whether the use of software influences the ways we analyze data and if so how. Friese’s argument is that software has a greater influence when users lack methodological know-how. She illustrates her argument by analyzing the financial crisis data with ATLAS.ti.
References #
Qualitative Data Analysis Software (NVivo, ATLAS.ti, and more)