Elaborative Coding in Qualitative Analysis
Elaborative coding is a coding approach that helps researchers build upon the codes, categories, and themes generated from previous qualitative studies.
As a hybrid approach that combines inductive and deductive coding, elaborative coding develops codes and categories grounded in the data while also using existing theories and frameworks. This blended technique leads to a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the data.
Johnny Saldaña, in his book The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers (2012), offers a concise overview of elaborative coding. We summarize his interpretation in this article.
What is Elaborative Coding?
Elaborative coding is a second-cycle coding approach, which means it helps researchers reorganize and refine their initial codes (first-cycle codes) into a more logical structure.
For reference, first-cycle coding (e.g. descriptive coding, process coding) is when you read your data and assign codes to different parts. The process is generally quick and flexible and helps familiarize you with your dataset. Later, second-cycle coding techniques like elaborative coding, pattern coding, or axial coding, help you refine and update these initial codes.
Essentially, elaborative coding “is the process of analyzing textual data in order to develop theory further” (Auerbach & Silverstein, 2003). This helps the researcher either support or change their observations from the earlier study based on the additional data they collect.
When to Use Elaborative Coding
Elaborative coding can be used in a variety of qualitative research methods, including grounded theory, interpretive phenomenological analysis, and narrative analysis.
It is a good choice for researchers who are familiar with the topic area because it allows them to use their existing knowledge to guide the coding process. This can help them to identify patterns and themes in the data that they might not have noticed if they were not familiar with the topic.
You can consider elaborative coding when you want to:
Build upon or corroborate previous research and investigations in qualitative studies.
Examine the applicability of existing theories or frameworks to your research.
Strengthen the validity and reliability of your study by corroborating previous studies.
Conduct a second study that expands on the major theoretical findings of the first study.
Support, strengthen, modify, or disconfirm the findings from previous research.
Develop a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of your data.
Blend the strengths of inductive and deductive coding.
How to Do Elaborative Coding - A Simple Guide
Elaborative coding is an iterative coding technique that helps you improve the initial codes from your first round of coding. This process involves continuously analyzing both the data and the codes, moving back and forth between them.
The main goal is to enhance your understanding of the study you are building upon and adjust your code to accurately reflect this improved understanding.
Here is a step-by-step guide for elaborative coding based on Saldaña’s work:
Familiarize yourself with the data: Read and review the data from the previous study that you want to build upon. You need to have an intimate understanding of the codes, categories, and themes that were previously identified.
Identify gaps or areas for refinement: Look for areas where the previous study's codes, categories, or themes can be expanded, modified, or improved. Identify any gaps in the existing understanding or areas that could use further exploration.
Consider using memos to reflexively engage with the data and record your thought process. This will help you clarify coding decisions, structure your research, and give you an audit trail when it comes time for your final write up.
Gather additional qualitative data: Collect additional data samples that can complement and enhance the existing dataset. This may involve conducting new interviews, observations, or analyzing relevant documents or literature.
According to Saldaña, you can build on a study despite slight differences in research topics and ideas. Your study can also interview different participants and populations or it can use different textual data samples.
Analyze the data: Systematically review and analyze the new data alongside the existing dataset. Look for patterns, connections, and themes that emerge from the combined data. Continue using memos to create an audit trail of these emergent aspects.
Refine and update the codes: Modify, refine, or expand the initial codes, categories, and themes from the first study based on the analysis of the combined dataset. Use the new insights gained from the additional data to guide these updates.
Validate and compare findings: Assess how the revised codes, categories, and themes align with existing theories or frameworks. Compare the findings from your study with the original study to identify areas of support, modification, or divergence
Iterate: When you feel you’re done, revisit and refine the coded data several more times.
To streamline the process, you can use Delve software to organize and manage your codes, visualize code relationships, and facilitate the iterative process of your coding and analysis.
Pros and Cons of Elaborative Coding
Elaborative coding is well-suited for conducting a detailed analysis of qualitative data. It allows you to expand on a previous study while incorporating new data, which helps refine and broaden your understanding of the research topic.
However, it is important to note that elaborative coding is a complex process that requires careful thought and attention to detail.
Here are some advantages of using elaborative coding:
It can help you to develop a deeper understanding of your data.
It can help you to generate new insights.
It can help you to identify patterns and themes in your data.
It can help you to write a more comprehensive and informative research report.
Here are some disadvantages of using elaborative coding:
It can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
It can be difficult to develop codes and categories that are both grounded in the data and consistent with existing theories and frameworks.
It can be difficult to develop a theory or model from data that is not already well understood.
Using CAQDAS Software for Elaborative Coding
CAQDAS software like Delve provides a range of powerful tools and features to support your elaborative coding journey. Here are some ways Delve can streamline the process:
Code linking and mapping: Easily establish connections between codes using interactive visualizations, such as co-occurrence matrices. These visual representations help uncover relationships and facilitate deeper analysis.
Memo writing and annotation: Take advantage of built-in features for writing memos and annotations. These functionalities allow you to document your thoughts, interpretations, and connections between codes, aiding in the elaborative coding process.
Advanced search capabilities: Efficiently navigate through your coded data using the powerful global search functions. This helps identify specific patterns, themes, or relationships within your data, further enhancing your elaborative coding efforts.
Elaborative coding is a helpful approach for researchers to gain deeper meanings and insights from qualitative data. Using software like Delve, researchers can simplify and improve some of the most time-consuming parts of this process.
In Summary
Overall, elaborative coding is a flexible, hybrid coding approach used in qualitative analysis. It helps researchers gain a deeper understanding of their data and compare their findings to existing theories, enhancing the quality and richness of their qualitative research results.
References
Saldaña, J. (2012). The coding manual for qualitative researchers. 3rd ed. London, England: SAGE Publications.
Auerbach, C. F., & Silverstein, L. B. (2003). Qualitative data: An introduction to coding and analysis. New York, NY: NYU Press.
Cite This Article
Delve, Ho, L., & Limpaecher, A. (2023c, June 23). Elaborative Coding in Qualitative Analysis https://delvetool.com/blog/elaborative-coding