How To Do Descriptive Coding

 
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What is descriptive coding?

Descriptive coding is a first cycle method of coding that involves reading through qualitative data, and coding passages according to topic. Descriptive codes are often in the form of a noun, and summarizes the topic of the data. 

“Tagging” and using “Hashtags” in social media is a widely used version of descriptive coding. Descriptive codes identify the topic, but don't derive further meaning from the data, or add much insight into what the participant is thinking. To derive meaning from data, use alternative coding methods such as in vivo coding or values coding.

The result of descriptive coding is a categorized inventory or index of data organized by topic. This can be used for further analysis and interpretation in further rounds of coding. 

When should I use descriptive coding?

  • You’re a beginner to qualitative research 

  • When you have a wide variety of data forms (transcripts, field notes, journals, documents, diaries, correspondence, artifacts, video)

  • If you’re tracking longitudinal changes across multiple studies

  • When you want to organize a large data set by topic area

How to do descriptive coding

  1. Read through your data and identify the topics that surface in the data

  2. Create codes for each topic

  3. Code excerpts according to topic

  4. Collate all the excerpts together that are related to each descriptive code

  5. Now that you have an index of topics, use other coding methods to derive meaning from the data.

Qualitative analysis doesn't have to be overwhelming

Take Delve's free online course to learn how to find themes and patterns in your qualitative data. Get started here.

Try Delve, Descriptive Coding Software

Online software such as Delve can help streamline how you’re coding your qualitative coding. Try a free trial or request a demo of the Delve.

References

  • Saldaña, J. (2009). The coding manual for qualitative researchers. Sage Publications Ltd.

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