The Process of Inductive Coding
Inductive coding begins with close readings of text and consideration of the multiple meanings
that are inherent in the text. The evaluator then identifies text segments that contain meaningful
units and creates a label for a new category to which the text segment is assigned. Additional
text segments are added to the categories to which they are relevant. At some stage, the
evaluator may develop an initial description of the meaning of a category and write a memo
about the category (e.g., associations, links, and implications). The category may also be linked
to other categories in various relationships, such as a network, a hierarchy of categories, or a
causal sequence.
The following procedures are used for the inductive analysis of qualitative data:
1. Preparation of raw data files (data cleaning): Format the raw data files in a common format (e.g.,
font size, margins, questions or interviewer comments highlighted) if required. Print and/or make a
backup of each raw data file (e.g., each interview).
2. Close reading of text: Once text has been prepared, the rawtext is read in detail until the evaluator is
familiar with its content and gains an understanding of the themes and events covered in the text.
3. Creation of categories: The evaluator identifies and defines categories or themes. The upper-level
or more general categories are likely to be derived from the evaluation aims. The lower-level or
specific categories will be derived from multiple readings of the rawdata, sometimes referred to as
in vivo coding. In inductive coding, categories are commonly created from actual phrases or meanings
in specific text segments. Several procedures for creating categories may be used. When using
a word processor, marked text segments can be copied into the emerging categories. Specialist
/ June 2006