Developing Code Categories
There are two basic approaches to the coding process. First, you may begin with a relatively well-developed coding scheme, derived from your research purpose. Thus, as suggested previously, the peace researcher might code occupations in terms of their relationship to the defense establishment. Or, you may want to use an existing coding scheme so that you can compare your finding with those of previous research.
The alternative method is to generate codes from your data, as discussed in chapter 13. Let’s say we’ve asked students in a self-administered campus survey to say what they believe is the biggest problem facing their college today. Here are a few of the answers they might have written in.
Tuition is too high
Not enough parking spaces
Faculty don’t know what they are doing
Advisors are never available
Not enough classes offered
Cockroaches in the dorms
Too many requirements
Cafeteria food is infected
Books cost too must
Not enough financial aid