I am coding some material from interviews and wish to let the material
speak for itself. It is psychotherapeutic material; the coders are both
experienced psychotherapists. My understanding is that there is a style
of coding which is not determined ahead of time, but rather, which emerges
directly from the material. I need a reference to this kind of coding
process (so I can sound as though I know what I am talking about.)
I do not wish to predetermine codes. I want the coders to decide, based on
their own clinical experience, what is emerging from the data as it
emerges.
Obviously there will be differences, disgreements between the coders. In
many cases, we will simply have chosen another word, something parallel to
the idea selected by the other. This can be settled by discussion.
When there is a real disagreement, we will keep notes on our conversation,
see if we can settle it by talking and if not, that bit of material will
be held aside, examined and and discussed separately when we write up our
findings. It may be that there is a pattern to our disagreements which is
interesting in itself -- who knows what may turn up?
I am having a little trouble talking about this with some of the people who
have to approve the proposal at various levels, who don't seem to
understanding that coding does not have to be laid out ahead of time.
Can anyone point me in the direction of a couple of references on this type
of coding? If anyone has comments, suggestions about the process I am
planning, I'd appreciate that too.
Thanks,
Harriet Meek
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