> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://alex-shermon.gitbook.io/rcs-nvivo/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://alex-shermon.gitbook.io/rcs-nvivo/1-nvivo-intro/2.-what-is-nvivo.md). # 2. What is NVivo? ## Video: *NVivo 12 by QSR* {% embed url="" %} NVivo 12 Overview by QSR (2018) {% endembed %} NVivo is Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) developed by QSR International. It is designed to help users conduct qualitative and mixed methods research. It was developed by Lyn and Tom Richards at La Trobe University during the 80s. Originally called NUD\*IST (standing for **N**on numerical **U**nstructured **D**ata **I**ndexing **S**earching and **T**heorizing software), it was first renamed to simply **N** and went through several iterations. NVivo (a play on the latin *in vivo* - meaning "within a living organism") was first released as NVivo 2 in 2002 alongside N6. QSR eventually consolidated them together in 2006 with the launch of NVivo 7. They have since regularly updated the software and have recently launched NVivo 1.0 in March of 2020. This resource is for NVivo 12 - which is the current version available to University of Melbourne Staff and Students. {% hint style="info" %} Whilst the University of Melbourne does not currently have a license for NVivo 1.0, it may elect to upgrade in the future. If it does, this resource will be updated - although it may take some time. {% endhint %} ## What does NVivo do? NVivo offers three key functionalities 1. Import 2. Organise 3. Explore In this module, we'll be briefly touching on all three of these functions. More specifically, we'll be looking at how to import and organise files, and how to explore our data through the process of coding. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://alex-shermon.gitbook.io/rcs-nvivo/1-nvivo-intro/2.-what-is-nvivo.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.