| University Libraries
In qualitative research, coding is the process of extracting topical and thematic content from your qualitative data, usually passages of text. Conceptually, coding can be broken down into three parts (see: Andrasik, Frey, and Endeshaw, n.d.):
There are two primary approaches to qualitative coding: deductive coding and inductive coding.
In practice, deductive and inductive coding are commonly used together. It is usually beneficial to have a limited list of hypothesized codes drawn from theory or the literature, but then refining these codes–and discovering and creating new ones–through the data analysis process.
Analysing Qualitative Data by
This book tackles the challenges of how to make sense of qualitative data. It offers students and researchers a hands-on guide to the practicalities of coding, comparing data, and using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis. Lastly, Gibbs shows you how to bring it all together, so you can see the steps of qualitative analysis, understand the central place of coding, ensure analytic quality and write effectively to present your results.
See also Gibbs' Videos, especially 4 Stages of Qualitative Analysis & Thematic Coding
He also has many videos on Grounded Theory.
Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook by
Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña's Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook is the authoritative text for analyzing and displaying qualitative research data. The Fourth Edition maintains the analytic rigor of previous editions while showcasing a variety of new visual display models for qualitative inquiry. Graphics are added to the now-classic matrix and network illustrations of the original co-authors. Five chapters have been substantially revised, and the appendix's annotated bibliography includes new titles in research methods. Graduate students and established scholars from all disciplines will find this resource an innovative compendium of ideas for the representation and presentation of qualitative data. As the authors demonstrate, when researchers "think display," their analyses of social life capture the complex and vivid processes of the people and institutions studied.
Using Software in Qualitative Research by
Using Software in Qualitative Research is an essential introduction to the practice and principles of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS). The book will help you to choose the most appropriate package for your needs and get the most out of the software once you are using it. This book considers a wide range of tasks and processes in the data management and analysis process, and shows how software can help you at each stage. In the new edition, the authors present three case studies with different forms of data (text, video and mixed data) and show how each step in the analysis process for each project could be supported by software. The new edition is accompanied by an extensive companion website with step-by-step instructions produced by the software developers themselves. Software programmes covered in second edition include the latest versions of: ATLAS.ti DEDOOSE HyperRESEARCH MAXQDA NVivo QDA Miner TRANSANA Ann Lewins and Christina Silver are leading experts in the field of CAQDAS and have trained thousands of students and researchers in using software. Reading this book is like having Ann and Christina at your shoulder as you analyse your data!
Especially Ch 3 & 7, which are applicable even if you do not use software.
See also Christina Silvers' "Five Level QDA Method" books for NVivo, MAXQDA, and Atlas.ti (with videos)
The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers by
This invaluable manual from world-renowned expert Johnny Saldaña illuminates the process of qualitative coding and provides clear, insightful guidance for qualitative researchers at all levels. The fourth edition includes a range of updates that build upon the huge success of the previous editions: A structural reformat has increased accessibility; the 3 sections from the previous edition are now spread over 15 chapters for easier sectional reference There are two new first cycle coding methods join the 33 others in the collection: Metaphor Coding and Themeing the Data: Categorically Includes a brand new companion website with links to SAGE journal articles, sample transcripts, links to CAQDAS sites, student exercises, links to video and digital content Analytic software screenshots and academic references have been updated, alongside several new figures added throughout the manual It remains the only book that looks specifically at coding qualitative data, as a core but often neglected skill that researchers and students alike need to effectively make sense of their data and to identify patterns, before they can analyse the material. Saldana presents a range of coding options with advantages and disadvantages to help researchers to choose the most appropriate approach for their project, reinforcing their perspective with real world examples, used to show step-by-step processes and to demonstrate important skills.
Not available online, considered essential reading on analytic memos in coding.
Although the software-based blogs do cover topics of interest to those using it, they also discuss many methodological issues and software ideas that can be implemented in any full-featured software.
DiSC Handout: