From Zero to NVivo 12 Course Syllabus

Overview: This course offers a step-by-step, hands-on introduction to NVivo 12, guiding beginners through the full qualitative analysis workflow—from project setup to final reporting. With approximately 4 hours of focused content, learners will build practical skills using real-world datasets and complete a cohesive capstone project to solidify their expertise.

Module 1: Foundations of NVivo & Project Setup

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Course orientation
• Installing NVivo 12 Pro
• Sample dataset overview
• Create a new NVivo project and explore the interface

Module 2: Data Organization & Classifications

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Folders, sets, cases
• File and case classifications
• Attribute assignment
• Import sample documents and classify cases by demographic attributes

Module 3: Coding Strategies

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Initial vs. focused coding
• Creating, merging, and managing codes
• Code sample text and refine codes into themes

Module 4: Mapping & Visualization

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Mind Maps, Project Maps, and Concept Maps for assumption testing
• Build a Mind Map reflecting research assumptions and expectations

Module 5: Advanced Query Techniques

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Matrix Coding queries
• Cross-Tab queries
• Word frequency and text search queries
• Run a Matrix Coding Query to compare themes across attributes

Module 6: Reporting & Interpretation

Estimated time: 0.67 hours

• Exporting query results
• Generating charts and summary reports
• Export a query chart and draft a brief analytical summary

Module 7: Capstone Project & Best Practices

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• End-to-end thematic analysis workflow
• Professional researcher mindset
• Execute a mini capstone: from data import to final thematic report

Prerequisites

• Basic computer literacy
• Interest in qualitative research
• Access to NVivo 12 Pro (Windows version)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Use NVivo 12 for comprehensive qualitative data analysis, including note-taking and linking observations to project elements
• Organize and categorize data into folders, sets, and cases; assign attributes and compare by values
• Code your data through initial and focused stages, building a robust thematic framework
• Create and interpret Mind Maps, Project Maps, and Concept Maps to visualize relationships and insights
• Execute advanced queries—Matrix Coding, Cross-Tab, word frequency, and text search—for professional-grade analysis