Blending the Old and the New: Qualitative Data Analysis a s Critical Thinking and Using NVivo with a Generic Approach

Abstract

In this article the authors seek to make the case that qualitative data analysis can be explained within the framework of critical thinking and incorporates within this framework the role of technology – specifically NVivo. First they discuss critical thinking from the perspectives of Bloom, Adler, and Polanyi. They then link critical thinking to the concept of a general inductive approach to qualitative analysis as described by Thomas. Finally, they illustrate connections of both critical thinking and the general inductive approach to technology using NVivo screenshots.