Tonight I watched the Delve video about codebooks in qualitative research. Codes were defined as “labels or tags that let you categorize quotes within your data set.” Codes can be organized using a Word processor, pen and paper, or qualitative analysis software. The video noted that codebooks are useful because they help keep your project organized and focused on research questions and objectives. Codebooks can make it easier to find themes related to your data and apply codes consistently. Deductive coding is when you add codes before you read through your data; inductive coding is when you add codes after analysis. Descriptions of the codes are important to keep documentation and ensure consistency. A codebook is the list of codes and their descriptions. Code definitions help you and your team remember codes. Codebooks do evolve with time and your analyses. Code definitions matter because they help categorize and maintain your codebook. As the video noted, using a codebook has numerous benefits! “Qualitative analysis is iterative” and the codebook can help emphasize consistency!
