Coding Qualitative Data

Question 1

coding qualitative data has three steps

Answer 1

• preparing for thematic coding and then developing open codes asking questions of your data
• developing larger interpretive categories and themes from data
• presenting thematic findings in lists, careers, or typologies

Question 2

Thematic Content Analysis (TCA)

Answer 2

• helps qualitative researchers legitimize their findings and respond to critics who claim that qualitative research is often ‘softer’ then quantitative research

Question 3

The ZigZag approach

Answer 3

• the zigzag approach is a process of iterative data gathering and analysis
• the process ends when there is a saturation of themes or when no new themes emerge from the data

Question 4

First stage of thematic coding

Answer 4

• open coding

Question 5

open codes

Answer 5

• are labels for chunks of data that capture something of the literal essence of the data

Question 6

In vivo coding

Answer 6

• inductive codes are often thought as in vivo coding

- codes that come from terms taken directly from the data representing living language, slang, and metaphors

Question 7

Second stage of thematic coding

Answer 7

• developing categories and themes

Question 8

Themes

Answer 8

• once the categories are operationalized you the move into combining categories into themes

Question 9

Presenting your findings

Answer 9

• TCA themes are often written up as lists, careers, or typologies

Question 10

careers

Answer 10

• trajectories, or sequential explanations of how people progress through social settings or experiences

Question 11

typologies

Answer 11

• highlight differences between events, behaviours, or people