Atlas.ti Training Manual Part 2: Codes

2 PART 2: CODES What is a Code? A Code is an index category representing an idea or feature of the data. In ATLAS.ti, text in documents can be given an index category in the form of a Code.

3 Types of Coding 1. Descriptive coding – the variables – the ‘whats’ This is when coding is used to describe what is in the data. 2.Analytic/Theoretical coding – addressing research questions – the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ These are codes based on the analytical thinking by the researcher about why what is occurring in the data might be happening.

4 Approaches to Coding 1. Inductive or A Priori codes can be identified from a range of sources ‘outside the data’, e.g.: Previous research or theory Research or evaluation questions you are addressing Questions and topics from your interview schedule Your gut feeling about the data or the setting 2.Deductive or Grounded codes ‘emerge from the data’ because you put aside your prejudices, presuppositions and previous knowledge of the subject area and concentrate instead on finding new themes in your data

5 Development of Codes Development of appropriate Codes often requires a combination e.g.: Overarching themes in the literature and original framework for the research (might form the basis for the Coding Frame) More specific themes that emerge from the interviews and other data (might form the basis for the Codes)

6 A worked example: the DFID- funded RECOUP questions 1. What are educational outcomes for poor people? Are the intended outcomes the same as or different from actual outcomes? 2. How can education help combat poverty? Desirable outcomes – possible outcomes – actual outcomes

7 RECOUP projects offer a series of comparisons for analysis GENDERED analysis (male/female differences) INTERGENERATIONAL approach incorporating ideas about change ENVIRONMENT: rural / urban differences EDUCATION: level and type CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISON between Ghana, Kenya, India, Pakistan

8 Developing Codes Did the interviews generate data only on the topics in the research schedule? Or did the interviews also generate data on other important topics? Does the Coding Frame work or will it need to be adapted in light of data collection? Are there any Codes that should be redefined? What is missing from the Coding Frame? What additional Codes might you need? Are there any Codes that can be removed or merged? NB When working in a research team, this must be done together so that all coders have access to a common Coding Frame

9 Criteria in naming Codes Codes should have short simple names that are memorable and easily identifiable for quick use Maybe one or two words or a short phrase To avoid mistakenly coding into the wrong Code, Code names should be significantly different from one another. Exercise: develop three Codes for a project you know about: Do your Codes have appropriate names? Is there any room for improvement?

10 How many Codes should we have? This is a very difficult question! The Codes must be precise and focused enough to enable you to distinguish between distinctive phenomena, but At the same time, in order to Code effectively, you need to be able to remember most of the Codes. Are there a good number of Codes in your own project? Is there any room for improvement?

11 How to upload Codes in ATLAS.ti 1. Go to CODES 2. Click on CREATE FREE CODE 3. Type name of Code from Coding Frame 4. Click OK

12 Do you remember Comments? We used Comments on PDs, but Comments can also be used to write definitions of a Code and what is included and excluded in that Code. NB it is important to give clear definitions to your Codes, especially when you are working as a team. Team Leaders should use Comments to guide other Coders.

13 How to assign a Comment to a Code 1. Select a code from the drop-down list 2. Go to CODES and EDIT COMMENT 3. Type the definition for the Code 4. Save and close the Comment NB All codes that have a Comment show a tilde sign (~) behind their name when displayed.