Introduction to NVivo

In addition to the word trees and word clouds discussed on the Searching page of this module, NVivo can create other visualisations, including charts, maps and diagrams.

To follow the examples on this page, use the Environmental Change Down East sample project (as detailed in the Sample projects page).

Creating a chart

NVivo allows you to create charts to visualise different aspects of the codes, files and cases in your project. For example, you could create a chart showing how many references of each type are in the sample project, using the Reference Type attribute of the ‘Reference’ file classification. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Go to the ‘Explore’ tab and choose ‘Chart’
2. Select ‘Charts…’ from the drop down menu
3. Select ‘Files’ and click ‘Next’
4. Choose ‘Files by attribute for an attribute’ (to work with one attribute), then click ‘Next’ again
5. Click ‘Select…’ to choose the attribute to display on the x-axis. For example, choose the Reference Type attribute of the ‘Reference’ file classification, then click ‘OK’
6. Change the ‘X-axis attribute’ to be “All attribute values except ‘Unassigned’, ‘Not Applicable’” if you do not want these values displayed in the chart
7. Select ‘Finish’ and your chart will be displayed

Once you have created your chart, you can edit it using the options available in the ‘Chart’ tab on the ribbon. You can also export, print or copy the chart by right clicking on it and selecting the required option from the menu.

For more information on charts, you may like to view the NVivo User Help - Charts online help.

Creating maps

You can create different types of maps to visualise ideas, connections and links in your NVivo project. In particular, a mind map can be used to explore ideas and relationships and can also be used to create codes. A concept map can be used to define and connect concepts, while a project map can be used to visualise items and links in a project. This section provides an example of how to create a mind map. For more information about mind maps or other types of maps, you may like to view the NVivo User Help - Maps online help.

Creating a mind map

A mind map is a brainstorming tool that starts with a central topic or main idea. Ideas related to the central topic are represented by individual shapes and connected to the main idea by lines, either at the same level or in a hierarchy. You can also add an idea that is not connected to any other ideas as a floating idea in the mind map.

To create a new mind map for the sample project, follow these steps:

1. Select Maps in the Navigation View (in the ‘Visualizations’ group), then right click in the white space in the List View and select ‘New Mind Map…’. Alternatively, select the ‘Explore’ tab on the ribbon at the top of the screen, then select the ‘Maps’ drop-down menu and choose ‘Mind Map’
2. Enter a name for the map (for example ‘Sample mind map’) and a description if wished, then click ‘OK’
3. The new map will open in the Details View and will also be stored in the Maps folder (in the ‘Visualizations’ group). To add items that relate to the sample project, follow these steps:
   • Enter the name of a key concept or topic in the circle displayed in the mind map (for example, ‘Shoreline Changes’)
   • Right click on this circle and select ‘Insert Sibling Idea’ or ‘Insert Child Idea’, then add text to the box that appears (for example, choose ‘Insert Child Idea’ and add the text ‘Development’)
   • Right click on the latest idea (for example, ‘Development’) and select ‘Insert Sibling Idea’, then add text to the box that appears (for example, ‘Fishing’)
   • Right click on the latest idea (for example, ‘Fishing’) and select ‘Insert Child Idea’, then add text to the box that appears (for example, ‘Recreational Fishing’)
   • Right click on the latest idea (for example, ‘Recreational Fishing’) and select ‘Insert Sibling Idea’, then add text to the box that appears (for example, ‘Commercial Fishing’). Alternatively, you could right click on ‘Fishing’ and select ‘Insert Child Idea’
   • Right click in the white space and select ‘Insert Floating Idea’, then add text to the box that appears (for example, ‘Community Views’)
   • To edit an item label, either right click on the item and choose ‘Edit Label’ from the menu, or double click on the item
   • To delete an idea, right click on the item and choose ‘Delete’ from the menu

You can use the options in the ‘Mind Map’ tab at the top of the screen to change the Fill, Border Colour and Border Width of different parts of the mind map. You can also change the layout, for example to display the map from top to bottom.

To export or print your mind map, right click in the mind map area and select the required option from the menu. To create codes from items in the mind map, click on ‘Create as Codes or Cases’ in the menu and then click ‘OK’. The mind map will be converted into a themed code hierarchy under Codes in the List View, or under Cases if this option is selected.