3. File Classifications

What are File Classifications Good for?

File classifications work in the same way for files as case classifications do for cases. That means that they are designed to store information about the files you are working with in NVivo. The term for this information is metadata (meaning data about data).

You'd be familiar with metadata from database searches on libraries (Titles, Subjects, Dates are all types of metadata). Metadata is thus a vital part of making your research accurate and accessible.

Video: File Classifications

NVivo 12: File classifications by Hull Uni Library (2019)

File and Case Classifications

If you've already completed Section 2.2: Case Classifications, then the task for this section will be very similar. If, however, you haven't then it might be a little bit difficult. I hope that the above video has explained the process of creating file classifications well, but if you would like to know more about the analogous process of creating case classifications to apply here, then I would recommend having a quick browse through that section.

Task: Creating Files Classifications

1. Create a file classification or use an existing schema

2. Apply this classification to a file you have imported

3. Assign relevant values to the file attributes

File classifications are an important part of conducting a literature review in NVivo. Module 5: NVivo and Literature Reviews explores the ways in which NVivo can be a helpful tool for conducting a literature review in any field.