Coding Using NVivo
Coding is an important step in qualitative research. One could describe it as the preparation of research data for analysis. Similarly, it could be thought of as the categorizing of data, the providing of structure and organization so that the researcher is able to make sense of the information. In other words, coding is the systematic process of “condensing extensive data sets into smaller analyzable units through the creation of categories and concepts derived from the data” (Lockyer, 2004). In addition, coding assists researchers in “getting a sense of the data; checking out the quality of the information…collected; [and] getting a sense of the whole” (Patton, 2002, p. 440). According to Creswell (2013), it is also the process of “aggregating the text or visual data into small categories of information, seeking evidence for the code from different databases being used in the study, and then assigning a label to the code” (p. 184). Codes could therefore be described as “tags or labels for assigning units of meaning to the descriptive or inferential information compiled during a study” (Miles & Huberman, 1994 as cited by Gläser, 2013).
The following assignment will briefly discuss the coding experience using NVivo. It will recount my impression of and experience with the program. It will further outline some of the challenges I encountered as well as potential advantages and disadvantages of using software to code data for qualitative research.
The Software: NVivo
NVivo, like any other software, has benefits and challenges. Indeed, one aspect that I really did not like about the software was the complications I encountered when installing the same. More precisely, the trial version was fine and operated accord...
... middle of paper ...
...gepub.com/view/the-sage-encyclopedia-of-social-science-research-methods/n130.xml
Creswell, J.W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Gläser, J., & Laudel, G. (2013). Life With and Without Coding: Two Methods for Early-Stage Data Analysis in Qualitative Research Aiming at Causal Explanations. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung/Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 14(2). Retrieved from http://www.qualitative-research.net/index.php/fqs/article/view/1886/3528
Janesick, V.J. (2011). “Stretching” exercises for qualitative researchers. (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Patton, M.Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
QSR International. (2014). About coding. Retrieved from http://help-nv10.qsrinternational.com/desktop/concepts/about_coding.htm
Effectively managing the massive amounts of qualitative data required a quantitative coding system to b...
Thematic analysis is espoused to be the foundational approach to qualitative analysis and methods (Saunders et al., 2016 as stated in Braun and Clarke, 2006: 78) and it is a useful method used to identify and analyse the order and patterns of qualitative data (Attride-Stirling, 2001). Qualitative research method depicts the correlation that exists between data and events, creating the pictorial representation of what one thinks a given data says (Saunders et al., 2016). They also opined that, qualitative data analysis is cogent, interactive and iterative. Also, Joana and Jill (2011) and Saunders et al (2016) postulate that, qualitative research brings meanings from words and images as opposed to numbers. However, despite its robustness and rigour of its application, it is skewed more to the interpretivist ideologies since researchers draw conclusion from participants and the hypothesis being forecasted (Joana and Jill, 2011; Saunders et al., 2016).
Qualitative research is an approach that attempts to situate an activity that locates the observer in the world by providing the study to occur in their natural setting and by attempting to make sense of, or interpret information (Denzin and Lincoln, 2005). A characteristic of qualitative research is to use a variety of empirical materials such as personal experience, interviews, and questionnaires. It is imperative to understand the task at hand and how to fully carry out the study when using a qualitative research approach in order to find out the information needed. One view of qualitative research is it involves examining individual’s experiences and documenting those experiences in detail (Jones, 2011). By documenting these observations the researcher is ensuring validity in his or her data and giving the correct creditability to those who participated in the study.
(Spring): 49- (22 p.). Kvale, Steinar and Svend Brinkmann. 2009. The 'Standard' of the 'Standard'. Interviews: Learning the craft of qualitative.
The use of QDA software can have a great impact on ones qualitative research. Because of the text base results of qualitative research it can be difficult for a researcher to break down or code the information and sort through all of his or her findings in a timely manner. QDA software allows for the researcher to code the text based data electronically which allow the data to be manipulated quickly. Dr. Vaishali Patel, and Dr. Anne Riley (2007) also found that QDA software increased the speed of their research and allowed for a more thorough examination of their research. Another advantage to using QDA software is the added ability to look at data analytically. QDA software is able to sort data into groups or queries which assists in looking a research data in different ways. In an article written by Seija Mahlamaki-Kultanen (2003), she finds that her students who used QDA software thought that the analytical data compiled by QDA software was more accessible than manipulating the data by hand. These findings further supports the positive impact that QDA software has on qualitative research. Although there are many positive aspects to using QDA software, there are some negative consequences or draw backs to using this type of software.
Gelo, O., Braakmann, D., & Benetka, G. (2008). Quantitative and Qualitative Research: Beyond the Debate. Integrative Psychological & Behavioral Science, 42(3), 266-290. doi:10.1007/s12124-008-9078-3
How do service providers receive people coming for HIV prevention services? Additionally, probes were used for not adequately discussed or explained questions (Jacobsen, 2014). Data Analysis Jane and Zubin (2015) described a qualitative study as seeing the world through the eyes of another person and putting yourself in that person’s shoes. Being true to the participant is to be a priority in data analysis in qualitative studies. It is the opinion of the participants amplified by the researcher (Jane and Zubin, 2015).
Marshall, C, Rossman, Gretchen B, (2006). Designing qualitative research, 4th edition, Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications.
As the word suggests, coding means to code. If it had been that simple a concept, then people would not need help from experts to understand it. The story does not end there. It brings many other questions to the user's mind regarding what is being coded and more importantly, who is it being coded for?
focused on the key qualitative research methods. For each article review, a brief description, guided by Myers (2013), and a critique, guided Pratt (2009), is provided. A summary of the five articles identifying the research method, data collection technique, data analysis approach and critique is provided in Table 1. The narrative review of each article coupled with figures and tables to organize and visualize thoughts (Pratt, 2009) follows the summary table.
Liamputtong, P. & Ezzy, D., 2005, Qualitative research methods, 2nd ed., Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, Victoria, pp. 12-31.
References Denzin, N., & Lincoln, Y. (Eds.). (2005). Handbook of qualitative research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
There are several ways to prepare research data for discussion with your dissertation team, coach and review panel. Qualitative data are commonly used as a means to gather information on the informant’s participation and satisfaction. The process and decision to create a qualitative design chart takes a researcher closer to understanding the types of information that can be collected, based on each research design. By arranging information in an easy to follow chart, data types can be observed, and collection processes and how to collect the data can be clearly identified.
Qualitative and Quantitative study designs both can be beneficial in research design. They both provide valuable options for researchers in the field. These techniques can either be used separately in a research study or they can be combined to achieve maximum information. This paper will define the terms qualitative and quantitative; describe the similarities and differences between each; discuss how qualitative and/or quantitative research designs or techniques could be used in the evaluation of my proposed research; and discuss why linking analysis to study design is important.
Creswell (2009), states that there are three types of designs, qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. Smith and Davis (2010) states that qualitative research is a field of enquiry that is conducted in a natural setting by a researcher, who may be involved in, or may be part of the data collection process; as it utilizes the views of informants as the basis for the report. Qualitative research attempts to gain and in-depth, holistic picture of the phenomenon one wishes to study by interacting closely with the people being studied; the data collected are usually in the form of words or pictures.