Qualitative Research Coding Methods

AI-assisted summary

Qualitative research coding is a systematic method for identifying, categorizing, and labeling important concepts within data to reveal underlying patterns and human narratives. The process follows a structured progression: reviewing research questions, identifying key concepts, conducting preliminary review, defining initial code structures, and applying the framework while modifying it as needed throughout the analysis.

The coding workflow typically includes multiple rounds: initial coding to segment data, organizing codes into categories, subsequent refinement passes, and ultimately developing a coherent narrative from the patterns discovered. Most research employs a mix of approaches (selective, axial, open, or closed coding) alongside best practices like maintaining a codebook and using both descriptive codes (labeling content) and interpretive codes (adding analytical perspective).

can be Selective coding, Axial coding, Open coding or Closed coding
- usually a mix of them
- more niche - focused coding, theoretical coding, thematic coding, ...
a process of systematically identifying, categorizing and labeling important ideas with appropriate codes
can be useful to establish a Codebook
it helps to find human stories behind the data
the process varies depending on a research goal

Code selection

review the research question to ensure the codes suit it
identify key concepts and phenomena relevant to the research question
conduct a preliminary data review to identify initial themes and topics
define initial code structure to suit the research goal while allowing new to codes to be added along the way
apply initial framework to the data
modify (add, merge, split, ...) as you go based on project needs
ensure consistency

Coding steps

first round pass of coding
organize codes into categories and subcodes
do further rounds of coding - reanalyzing, finding patterns
turn codes and findings into final narrative
slowly reducing the number of codes and narratives emerging

Best prectices

use a Codebook to keep track of codes
capture positive and negative aspects of a phenomena

Code