The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers

What is a code? Most of us would probably think about a Morse code/phonetic alphabet code such as ‘Alfa,’ ‘Bravo,’ and ‘Charlie,’ or some other code system that requires coding/decoding, is agreed upon, and can be used in a particular context (e.g., computer codes, codes used in military/spy language, or simply ‘red’ for ‘hot water’ and ‘blue’ for ‘cold water.’ The meaning of a ‘code’ in qualitative research is different. According to Johnny Saldaña, “A code in qualitative inquiry is most often a word or short phrase that symbolically assigns a summative, salient, essence-capturing, and/or evocative attribute for a portion of language-based or visual data” … such as ‘SENSE OF SELF-WORTH,’ ‘STABILITY,’ or ‘COMFORTABLE.’ Thus, these types of codes should not be confused with codes used in semiotics/semiology (i.e., the study of the interpretation of signs) – although there are some overlaps/parallels. The coding of data is an important task in the multi-step process of qualitative research because it allows investigators to make more sense of their collected data. This being said, most qualitative researchers will start coding their data not only after data collection but also during the collection of data. When I engaged in qualitative research, I was looking for a book that could instruct me about how to best perform the coding procedure. I came across Saldaña’s book ‘The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers,’ and was amazed about the wealth of valuable information this author provided. His book (it is indeed a ‘Manual’!) contains six chapters, four appendices, a list of references, and an index for keyword searches. It introduces the reader to the fields of coding applications (e.g., in the social sciences, business, education, and healthcare), the principles and various types of coding profiles and codes (e.g., descriptive-, narrative-, value-, or emotion-coding), the mechanics of coding (i.e., pre-coding, first-cycle-coding, second-cycle coding, and post-coding), and the directions coding procedures are intended to follow: From codes to categories to themes/concepts to assertions/theories. Saldaña explained that “Unlike a code, a theme [i.e., an outcome of coding] is an extended phrase or sentence that identifies what a unit of data is about and/or what it means” … [for example:] ‘to belong’ can mean ‘FEELING GROUNDED’ or ‘YOU CAN BELONG SOMEWHERE WITHOUT ACTUALLY BEING THERE.’ Besides the brief review of some of the content of the chapters, I want to emphasize the value of the four appendices. The first appendix (A) contains a glossary of various coding methods and definitions (e.g., ‘Elemental Methods,’ ‘In Vivo Coding,’ and ‘Subcoding’). Appendix B provides a glossary of analytic recommendations, including pointers to references (e.g., what ‘case studies’ are for, what ‘cognitive mapping’ entails, or what ‘memo writing about the codes/themes’ means). The third appendix (C) contains a sample of field notes, an interview transcript, and a document sample of a student’s formal standard ‘Thank you’ letter to a scholarship donor. Saldaña’s book exceeded my expectations not only in the breadth and quality of information provided about the various aspects of coding, but also in the clarity of the writing and in the selection of illustrations (e.g., Figure 3.3: ‘An illustrated process for spreading rumors,’ or Fig. 3.4: ‘Excerpts from a taxonomic tree diagram of the way children oppress others’). In my opinion, this is a ‘must-have-book’ for any investigator who wishes to engage in qualitative research that involves data coding.

I am about to commence my honours psychology year and landed a summer job as a research assistant. I was surprised to discover that I was the statistics expert. The research had already been conducted and I was there to analyse the data. It was from a large survey with a lot of open questions. I needed to code qualitative data into quantitative. Unfortunately at this point in my studies we had not learnt about qualitative data coding. I needed to learn how to do so - and fast!Most books seem to focus on qualitative research from the start to finish which I didn't need. I was relieved to find a book dedicated to coding. It is easy to read and understand, and provides many real-life examples. It also discusses in detail, a wide variety of techniques so you can find something that best suits the type of data you have. The author does not advocate one technique over another as they all have their pros and cons. He also discusses qualitative coding software, which could be useful if you have access to this - which I don't. The beginning of the book provides an overview which is extremely useful if you are new to coding. The rest of the book discusses techniques. This is easy to navigate and I was able to skip to parts of the book that were relevant to me, without needing to read the entire book in order to understand it.The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers has enabled me to complete my job without looking incompetent and I am confident that I have undertaken the correct procedures. I can definitely recommend this if you are looking for information on coding qualitative data.

This was the most helpful book I read as I learned to analyze qualitative data. Authors of a lot of qualitative textbooks talk about analysis but never quite go so far as to demonstrate it; this remains one of the best sources I own for providing clear and easy-to-understand descriptions of various alternatives and stages in the coding process. I also believe that Saldaña incorporates an appropriate amount of information about CAQDAS or use of other technology, so that readers who do or do not have access to specialized software can all benefit from this book. I consider this a helpful book for novices as well as a well-organized resource for people with a little more experience.

This text is surely an immense help to those who are writing/researching through qualitative methods. Besides the usual names in qualitative research i.e. Creswell, Yin, et.al., the information is up to date (as of this writing, of course), very simple to follow and grasp concepts, and the author breaks things down step-by-step. This text was a great help to me obtaining my doctorate! Excellent addition to ones library on research.

Saldana's book became my primary reference for a qualitative study I completed recently in an educational setting. His writing is clear yet nuanced. He introduces dozens of coding techniques, providing very clear examples and organizational strategies for each. I came back to the book again and again during the proposal phase and again during the data collection and analysis phases of my research. This book is well worth the investment for any qualitative researcher considering which coding methods to employ.

This book is a game-changer! It literally makes qualitative analysis more understandable. It breaks it down step by step. My research used constructivist grounded theory and this book really helped make sense of the different coding stages. I have highly recommended it to other students and researchers as a great resource to compliment Creswell and Maxwell!

I was having soooo much trouble with coding all the interviews I did for my doctoral research!!!!!! This book is straight forward and organized. The applications and examples in the book related to coding are applicable to a variety of research topics. Saldana investigates three new methods profiles (Subcoding, Causation Coding, and Eclectic Coding).

This is by far the best coding book I have ever read and used for my PhD students in our Qualitative class - absolutely superb. Well written and so complete; he doesn't leave anything out re coding. Bravo!!

I haven't read the entire book yet, but that also doesn't appear to be the point. The book is structured well and I was able to find useful information that helped me select a coding method quickly.

I did an in-depth interview study for my masters dissertation (my first attempt at qualitative research). This book was a great reference for understanding what coding is and is not all about. The level of detail was obviously unnecessary for my project, but I used this book as a great reference. If you're, like me, not a research student and just doing a project for a different degree, I found most of what I needed to know in Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners. But I liked Saldaña's book very much.

An excellent resource for qualitative analysis. Step-by-step instructions for the new coder. Helped me a lot!

This is a little on the technical side but fairly accessible - If your using such strategies in your data analysis, it's worth a skim read. Well laid out so that you can be selective.