Using Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS; NVivo) to assist in the complex process of realist theory generation, refinement and testing.

Dalkin, Sonia, Forster, Natalie, Hodgson, Philip, Lhussier, Monique and Carr, Susan (2021) Using Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS; NVivo) to assist in the complex process of realist theory generation, refinement and testing. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 24 (1). pp. 123-134. ISSN 1364-5579

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Using computer assisted qualitative data analysis software CAQDAS NVivo to assist in the complex process of realist theory generation refinement and.pdf - Published Version
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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2020.1803528

Abstract

There have been several calls for more transparency in realist methods, particularly in the complex process of programme theory development and refinement. This paper will describe the way in which Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software, specifically, NUD*IST Vivo (NVivo), was used to build and refine programme theories (using literature and interview data) in a realist evaluation. This article presents the evolving and complex process of coding several data sources to nodes and child nodes, whilst writing ‘attached memos’ to highlight the process of theory generation. In this project, NVivo helped create an explicitly documented and evidenced audit trail of the process of programme theory refinement, answering to calls for further transparency in realist anal. RAMESES I and II have provided a platform to improve transparency in reporting realist research, by developing consensus and evidence-based reporting guidelines. We propose that the use of NVivo in realist approaches can help structure the iterative and by nature ‘messy’ process of generating, refining and testing complex programme theories when drawing on multiple data sources simultaneously. This effectively creates a structured track record of the analytical process, which increases its rigour and transparency in the analysis process.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Funding information: This study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Public Health Research [Grant Reference number: SPHR-FUS-PES-CAB]. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Fuse is a UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) Public Health Research Centre of Excellence. Funding for Fuse from British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, National Institute of Health Research, Economic and Social Research Council, Medical Research Council, Health and Social Care Research and Development Office, Northern Ireland, National Institute for Social Care and Health Research (Welsh Assembly Government) and the Wellcome Trust, under the auspices of the UKCRC, is gratefully acknowledged.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Qualitative, NVivo, CAQDAS, realist, Evaluation, Theory
Subjects: B800 Medical Technology
B900 Others in Subjects allied to Medicine
L900 Others in Social studies
Department: Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Nursing, Midwifery and Health
Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Depositing User: Elena Carlaw
Date Deposited: 28 Apr 2020 14:38
Last Modified: 20 Feb 2022 03:30
URI: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/42944

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