Analyzing Text Data

There are a few software packages available to help you analyze your text data. 

• Software available on Gelman Library computers
• Software available on GW's Virtual Computer Lab

Which software should you use?

The following links provide useful comparisons of available tools for qualitative data analysis.

• GW's Research Software comparison
• Comparing QDA (Qualitative Data Analysis) tools at NYU
• Qualitative Research Tools at George Mason University
• Open-source and free programs for text mining from University of Illinois

What is NVivo?

NVivo is a qualitative data analysis software designed to assist researchers in organizing, analyzing, and gaining insights from unstructured data such as text, audio, video, and images. It provides tools for coding, categorizing, and visualizing data to support in-depth exploration and interpretation of qualitative research.

• More information about NVivo

Accessing NVivo

You can access NVivo via the following methods:

• On-site use: NVivo is available on computers in Gelman Library note: we currently have access to NVivo 20, which came out in 2020. The most current version, NVivo 14 (released in 2023), will be available on library computers soon!
• Download: available for personal and GW-managed devices
  • NVivo Installation Guide for Windows (also works on Mac). Pay special attention to Step 1, in which you have to download the latest NVivo software by going to the Box NVivo Software folder
• Remote access: use the LAI desktop via GW Virtual Computer Lab

NVivo Tutorials

• NVivo Online Tutorials
• George Mason University offers a useful playlist of videos for those interested in learning NVivo

What is ATLAS.ti?

Atlas.ti is a qualitative data analysis software that aids researchers in systematically analyzing and interpreting textual, visual, and audio data. It offers features for coding, organizing, and exploring qualitative data

• More information about ATLAS.ti

Accessing ATLAS.ti

• CCAS students can request access to ATLAS.ti 

ATLAS.ti Tutorials

• ATLAS.ti Video Tutorials
• ATLAS.ti Academy (free & premium ATLAS.ti online training)
• Sage Research Methods: ATLAS.ti

What is Taguette?

Taguette is an open-source qualitative data analysis tool designed for collaborative and systematic tagging of textual data. It allows users to annotate and categorize text, facilitating the organization and analysis of qualitative content in research projects.

• More information about Taguette

Accessing Taguette

• Install Taguette

Taguette Tutorials

• Taguette, Getting Started
• Free Qualitative Data Analysis with Taguette and qcoder! an IASSIST webinar

What is Voyant?

Voyant is a free, web-based text analysis tool that enables users to visualize and explore patterns within textual data. It provides a range of tools for tasks such as word frequency analysis, topic modeling, and trend identification.

• More information about Voyant
• Voyant server (GitHub)

Accessing Voyant

• Access Voyant from their website

Voyant Tutorials

• Voyant tutorial by Voyant
• McGill University, Voyant screencasts (2012)
• Rice University, Using Voyant for text analysis

What is Qualtrics?

Qualtrics is an online survey platform that allows individuals and organizations to design, distribute, and analyze surveys for collecting and evaluating data. Known for its user-friendly interface and powerful analytics tools, Qualtrics is widely used in academic, business, and research settings to gather and derive insights from diverse types of feedback and responses. Qualtrics iQ uses machine learning and native language processing to discover patterns and trends survey responses.

• More information about Qualtrics Text IQ

Accessing Qualtrics

• See the Qualtrics Guide for information on accessing Qualtrics at GW

Qualtrics Tutorials

• Qualtrics Text Analysis tutorial
• Qualtrics Text iQ Functionality
• Sentiment Analysis in Qualtrics