Online qualitative coding software, often referred to as computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS), helps analyze, categorize, and interpret large amounts of qualitative data. Transcripts from one-on-one interviews are just one example of possible data formats.
A key feature in qualitative coding software is the code. A code is essentially a tag that represents an idea, concept, or pattern that you use to label a section of your qualitative data. Good qualitative coding software will allow you to quickly retrieve all data you labeled with a code, so it can be further analyzed.
Each qualitative coding project will be made up of a number of different codes. As you work through your project, these codes will be created, rearranged, grouped, expanded, and merged until you have a well-organized “codebook.”
A codebook is a reference guide that defines and categorizes your codes. A well-organized codebook is the main output of qualitative data analysis. With every code having a concise name and detailed code description, it allows anyone, including yourself, to explore the richness of your data through the lens of your analysis.
“Online qualitative coding software takes this same analysis process through coding and allows you to do it from anywhere, with anyone, at any time. ”
Online qualitative coding software takes this same analysis process through coding and allows you to do it from anywhere, with anyone, at any time. This increased flexibility is ideal for the modern trend of remote work in qualitative research.
To learn more about qualitative coding, please reference our Definitive Guide to Qualitative Coding. The rest of this article will focus on how to use online qualitative coding software as a group.