Often qualitative research involves working with multimedia information or rich text information. NVivo is a qualitative data analysis tool that is commonly used by qualitative researchers to work with huge amount of data (videos, audio files, spreadsheets, plain text, etc.). However, owing to drawbacks such as limited functionality and time taken to import large data sets, researchers are opting for Atlas.ti. 

Atlas.ti is a statistical tool that uncovers and systematically analyses complex events in the unstructured data. Atlas.ti structures the text by assigning labels to individual segments manually. 

Some of the features of this statistical tool are:

• Margin area 

Margin area is the significant feature of Atlas.ti. Unlike NVivo it not only act as a display for coding stripes, instead it displays links between the data segments and attached memos. Here, on clicking on the code, Atlas.ti displays corresponds data segment similar to all programs. It provides user the provision to grab the code and drag it to another segment. The user can also copy the code while leaving it attached to the associated segment. The code can also be interchanged by dropping one code the top of another. Note that all elements in the margin area have own context menus and are interactive. 

• Quotation 

The smallest unit in atlas.ti is known as quotation. It allows the user to work the data level prior to moving on to abstract conceptual level data. In addition, Atlas.ti lets the user to enter a title for each quotation, write an interpretation or lengthy description, view quotations from quotation overview page, and link segments across or within the documents. 

• Coding text data

Unlike other statistical tool, Atlas.ti does not offer code tree. Instead it provides flat code list. This type of code backs the process of code development right from the scratch. The Atlas.ti enables the user to structure the flat code list (initial ones) and not leave them unstructured during the process. The added advantage is that the code groups or code families and code merge functions in this statistical tool allows the user to find the data structure without using tree format. 

• Modelers/network view

Atlas.ti treats the entire project as a network. The data can be linked to the codes, data segments can be linked to memos or hyperlinks. Additionally, Atlas.ti can link the codes to other code groups or families. To make this process an easier one, Atlas.ti determines the difference between first & second class relations. First class relations (named as links) are established between codes and quotations. This not only links the code to each other, but also describes the link as;  “is reason for”, “is part of” “leads to” , “ is consequence of”, etc. These relations can also be used to link the quotations. An added advantage of Atlas.ti is that it provides provision to work on the data level either by opting for drag & drop option or menu option or by using network view editor within the tool. In network view editor, the data can be accessed in context or in reverse. Also, the elements linked to the data level becomes clearly visible in network view editor. Thus the network editor represents interpretive work and the views are integrative.

Network of first and second class relations

• Coding video data 

Coding video data is a complex process. Atlas.ti provides unique architecture for coding video data. When working the video data it is better to begin with quotation as first unit of analysis and then including titles for each segment, describing and interpreting the segment. Alternatively, the video data can be coded directly. As the coding progresses, quotation develop automatically. If a transcript of the video is available, Atlas.ti allows the user to import it from the transana, F5 & F4 or develop them directly. The transcript in Atlas.ti is kept separately which can be viewed with the video file. This lets the user to code the video file and transcript independently and work on textual & visual level thereby enabling un-mixed coding approach. The Atlas.ti also allows the user to comment, summarise and interpret the textual description and video material. 

Advantages of ATLAS.ti 

Supports PDFs and multimedia files

Exports data to HTML, SPSS, CSV

Highly flexible

Enables mind mapping and visual model building using network editor

New features are being incorporated in ATLAS.ti to make the qualitative data analysis an easier process.