Dedoose Qualitative Research Tool
Dedoose is a cloud-based analytic tool designed for qualitative and mixed methods research. It can be used to manage, code, and analyze data from various sources, including text, photos, audio, videos, and spreadsheets. Other features available on the platform include secure data storage, transcription, collaborative tools, and an intuitive interface.
CSULB Transition to Dedoose
The CSULB license with Dedoose begins in June 2025 as a replacement for our current Nvivo, license expiring in July 2026. During the interim period, Academic Technology Services will provide training and support for faculty, staff, and students to transition their projects to the Dedoose platform.
To create your Dedoose account, select the Campus Software tile on SSO, add Dedoose to your cart, and complete the no-cost checkout process.
Why is CSULB Changing Platforms?
At the request of the CSULB Faculty Advisory Committee on Technology (FACT), a review was conducted of the Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) landscape, as it was determined that NVivo was not meeting the needs of many researchers. An examination of QDA software revealed existing competitors have grown, and new researcher-friendly products have entered the market since NVivo was adopted by CSULB many years ago. NVivo, conversely, has remained stagnant on key areas of modern qualitative analysis. In particular, a difficult interface and the ability to collaborate natively without cost-prohibitive add-ons were noted as key hurdles to researcher success. As the nature of qualitative research has changed, including the need for collaborative research, many faculty members have already been using alternative products, such as Dedoose, on their own.
Interested in Early Transition to Dedoose?
If you'd like more information about Dedoose or support for transitioning your projects, please fill out our Interest Form and we will contact you to schedule a consultation.
Transition Timeline
| Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATS surveys Nvivo users and evaluates tools. | Focus groups finalize evaluation rubric for Dedoose. | Pilot license secured for campus-wide access. | Pilot usage with transition support begins. | Transition continues with ongoing support. | Dedoose becomes central QDA software; Nvivo support ends. |
In Spring 2024, the CSULB Faculty Advisory Committee on Technology (FACT) requested that ATS evaluate our campus needs and use of Nvivo as our main qualitative data analysis (QDA) tool.
In Fall 2024, ATS gathered feedback from existing NVivo users and surveyed faculty members to understand their needs. ATS evaluated several alternative platforms, including Atlas.Ti, Dedoose, Intellectus, MAXQDA, and Quirkos.
After a comprehensive review was presented to FACT, Dedoose was selected for a pilot evaluation due to its strong feature set, sustainable price point and current usage on campus by individuals and departments.
In January, focus groups were conducted with subject matter experts to finalize criteria that would be used to evaluate Dedoose further.
In February, ATS negotiated a trial license period with Dedoose, which included vendor demonstrations and training workshops. Faculty who participated in the Fall 2024 trial were given the opportunity to provide feedback on essential criteria identified in the focus groups.
Over the summer, early access will be granted by request to any faculty members interested in transitioning their projects and providing their feedback about the tool.
Pilot usage with intent to transition will begin.
Workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on transition support will be provided by Dedoose and ATS for .
Transition continues with support including workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on consultation.
- Dedoose will be the central offering of QDA software for the CSULB campus.
- Central licensing for NVivo will no longer be provided; departments and individuals may choose to self-finance licenses for NVivo, if desired.
