QUALITATIVE DATA PROCESSING
    Coding
    Memoing
    Concept Mapping
 

Qualitative analysis begins with the raw data generated by first-hand observations, in-depth interviews, conversational transcripts, or other types of non-numerical data.  The key step in processing such data for analysis is coding: classifying or categorizing pieces of data in terms of theoretical concepts.

This section of the chapter will examine the specification of coding units, the creation of codes, and the physical act of coding.

Qualitative data processing means spending hours reading and re-reading the data files, creating and assigning codes.  This is not distinct from data analysis, however, as the act of coding data will give rise to insights as to patterns in the phenomena under study.  Qualitative analysts, therefore, become expert in memoing, writing notes regarding what has been uncovered.  We'll look at code notes, theoretical notes, and operational notes.

As codes are created in the processing of qualitative data, you will find yourself continually reflecting on the logical inter-relationships among the concepts represented by those codes.  In this section, we'll look at the processing of concept mapping, using graphic techniques to organize theoretical systems.