Coding Qualitative Data
Foundational techniques for coding interviews, transcripts, and field notes.
21 articles
Open, Axial, and Selective Coding in Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide
Open, axial, and selective coding are interconnected steps in qualitative data analysis. This article shows how to use them at different stages of your analysis to progressively crack the code of grounded theory.
Deductive and Inductive Coding in Qualitative Research
This article covers how to decide if you want to use an inductive or a deductive approach to qualitative coding. Read our guide to learn about both approaches.
Abductive Coding in Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide
Explore how abductive coding blends deductive and inductive approaches in qualitative research. Learn when and how to use it with real examples and a step-by-step guide.
How to Do In Vivo Coding in Qualitative Research
This article covers in vivo coding, a first cycle coding method in qualitative analysis where you derive codes from the data itself. Read our guide to see when and how to use in vivo coding.
Top Alternatives to NVivo for Dissertation Students
NVivo is a legacy qualitative coding software used by researchers and dissertation for decades. The learning curve and price are real obstacles to new users and first time researchers. This article looks at why, and at how Delve is a more user-friendly alternative and a favorite of dissertation students across the globe.
Manual Coding vs. Qualitative Coding Software: When to Make the Switch
This article introduces the most popular methods and approaches for doing qualitative research, from manual methods to qualitative coding software like Delve.
How to Build and Apply a Thematic Analysis Codebook Using AI
This guide shows how AI can help build your thematic analysis codebook from the first code to the final theme. Learn when, where, and why to trust AI tools versus your own human judgement.
AI Features in QDA Software: What Actually Works (And What Does't)
This article compares AI features that are now part of many qualitative data analysis (QDA) software platforms. We tested the top AI-assisted QDA platforms to see how they stack up based on what matters most researchers.
Process Coding in Qualitative Research
This article covers process coding, where you use codes to communicate an action in the data. Codes will typically be gerunds that end with “ing”. Learn what it is, when to use it, and how to use it for your qualitative research.
7 Proven Ways to Use AI in Qualitative Research
Explore how Delve’s AI tools streamline coding and analysis in qualitative research—saving time while keeping humans at the center.
How to Do Values Coding in Qualitative Research
Values coding is a method of qualitative coding that deals with labeling the values, attitudes and belief systems that are expressed by participants.
How to Do Emotion Coding in Qualitative Research
Emotion coding in qualitative research is about detecting and categorizing emotions in data like interviews or focus groups. This article introduces emotion coding and offers a guide on using it effectively.
How To Do Descriptive Coding in Qualitative Research
Descriptive coding is a first cycle coding method that labels data according to topic. Descriptive codes are often in the form of a noun, and summarizes the topic of the data. Read our guide to learn more.
How to Do Line-by-Line Coding in Qualitative Research
Line-by-line coding in qualitative research is where you assign codes to each line of your data and identify themes and concepts. This article sheds light on how this coding method works and provides a step-by-step guide
How to Do Pattern Coding in Qualitative Research
Pattern coding is a second cycle coding method where codes are grouped into sets, themes, and “bigger picture” constructs in order to uncover a larger, overarching research narrative.
How To Do Structural Coding
Structural coding when you to take a large set of semi-structured data, and structure it into smaller pieces for further analysis.
How To Do Initial Coding
Initial coding, also known as “open coding,” is the first step of the coding process, particularly in qualitative methods such as grounded theory. Read our guide for how to do initial coding.
What is Holistic Coding in Qualitative Research? A Guide
Holistic coding is a first-cycle coding method, the initial stage of coding where the researcher identifies the main themes or concepts in the data, providing a high-level understanding of the data. It sets the stage for more organized second-cycle coding in later stages of research.
What is Magnitude Coding in Qualitative Analysis? A Guide
Magnitude coding is a qualitative data analysis technique that allows researchers to explore the details of their data by considering varying degrees of intensity, strength, or significance. This article explores how to use this method to gain richer insights and observations from your data.
Elaborative Coding in Qualitative Analysis
Elaborative coding is a qualitative coding approach that helps researchers build upon the codes, categories, and themes generated from previous studies. This article explores the use cases of this method and provides a step-by-step guide.
How to Do Simultaneous Coding
Simultaneous coding is a method of qualitative coding where a single excerpt of data is coded with multiple codes. Read our guide to see when and how to simultaneous coding.
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