1.Start to write memos shortly after you begin data collection, and continue memo writing until just before the final research report is completed.
2.Put the date on memo entries so that you can see progress and the development of thinking. This will be helpful when rereading long, complicated memos, since you will periodically modify memos as research progresses and add to them.
3.Interrupt coding or data recording to write a memo. Do not wait and let a creative spark or new insight fade away-write it down.
4.Periodically read memos and compare memos on similar codes to see whether they can be combined, or whether differences between codes can be made clearer.
5.Keep a separate file for memos on each concept or theme. All memo writing on that theme or concept is kept together in one file, folder, or notebook. Label it with the name of the concept or theme so it can be located easily. It is important to be able to sort or reorganize memos physically as analysis progresses, so you should be able to sort the memos in some way.
6.Keep analytic memos and data notes separate because they have different purposes. The data are evidence. The analytic memos have a conceptual, theory-building intent. They do not report data, but comment on how data are tied together or how a cluster of data is an instance of a general theme or concept.
7.Refer to other concepts within an analytic memo. When writing a memo, think of similarities to, differences between, or causal relationships to other concepts. Note these in the analytic memo to facilitate later integration, synthesis, and analysis.
8.If two ideas arise at once, put each in a separate memo. Try to keep each distinct theme or concept in a separate memo and file.
9.If nothing new can be added to a memo and you have reached a point of saturation