NVivo: How to Query Documents That Represent Multiple Attribute Values for a Single Classification

NVivo Case Classification: Each attribute can have only one value (1:1). To assign multiple values, create separate cases for each value, then use a Crosstab Query.

Aug 25, 2026
Knowledge

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Answer

Background

NVivo is designed for each Case Classification Attribute to have one value. (a 1:1 Relationship)

Multiple Attribute Values for a Single Classification

If you want to assign multiple values to a single Classification Attribute (such as Years Referenced in a Document), you need to create a separate case for each attribute.

Example:
File Name - 3 Year Report (2001-2003)
Multiple Cases Created - 3 Year Report 2001, 3 Year Report 2002, 3 Year Report 2003
Case Classification - 3 Year Report
Classification Attribute - Year
Attribute Values Assigned - 2001, 2002, 2003

Once the multiple cases are assigned to each attribute value, you can use a Crosstab Query to query information based on them.

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