How To Do Structural Coding

 
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What is structural coding?

Structural coding is a first round coding method where you code your data according to research questions or topics. It enables you to take a large set of semi-structured data, and structure it into smaller pieces for further analysis. 

When should I use structural coding?

Structural coding is especially useful when:

  • When you have specific research questions and topics in mind

  • When conducting semi-structured interviews

  • When interviewing multiple participants

How to do structural coding

  1. Make a list of topics or research questions that you want to organize your data by

    Example, here is a list of research questions I am using for a semi-structured interview:

    • What type of eating habits did you have before beginning the weight loss program?

    • What motivated you to begin this program?

    • What type of techniques helped you in sticking with the meal plan?

    • What impact did this program have on your life?

  2. Turn each topic and research question into a code

    From the questions, I generated the following codes:

    • Previous eating habits

    • Motivation to begin

    • Helpful techniques

    • Impact of program

  3. Read through the interview, and apply the code to sections relevant to your topics or research questions. 

    In my example, I coded the entire passage when the participant was speaking about their eating habits. I also coded other sections of the interview where they may not have been directly answering this question, but saying something relevant to the topic.

  4. Analyze within topics or research questions

    Now, I’ll read the excerpts I’ve coded for 1 research question at a time, and do further rounds of coding within it. While looking at all the excerpts under “motivation to begin”, I create sub-codes to analyze further and break them up into the various types of motivations

    • Motivation to begin

      1. Self esteem

      2. Health

      3. Entering athletic competition

      4. Boredom

  5. Utilize other methods of coding for further analysis

    After structural coding, you can utilize a variety of different coding methods to do further analysis. Check out our Essential Guide to Qualitative Coding to learn more. 

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References

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

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