Aspects of the Coding System and Raw Qualitative Responses

Abstract

The qualitative research approach is reflected as suitable since it allows researchers to have all aspects of the participants’ perceptions and involvement in a particular phenomenon. Mile et al. (2014) state the strength of qualitative data, which emphasises natural settings and real life experiences. Qualitative analysis refers to the qualitative and conceptual information, such as observation, interviews, video and audio recordings, note-taking, images and documents. A simple interpretation of the notes or transcripts is a main step in the analytic process. Researchers set notes to categorize important statements and to intend directions of coding data to categories and themes. The coding system is one of the aspects of qualitative data analysis where the researchers provide thematic analysis of data. Coding system in qualitative analysis is effective for many scholars, but it is also challenging for beginner researchers. The main purpose of the present study is to investigate the awareness level of aspects of coding and raw qualitative responses among researcher students. The study employed a quantitative research approach using a questionnaire consisting of five Likert-scale items. A total of 20 postgraduate students who participated in the research process were purposively selected as the sample. The collected data were analysed using Monkey survey software through descriptive statistics. The result indicates that descriptive coding was considered as the most effective coding aspect by fresh researchers, followed by in vivo coding and simultaneous coding. Process coding and pattern coding were found to be moderately effective, while focused coding and axial coding were perceived as less effective. Overall, the findings reveal that novice researchers tend to prefer simpler and more direct coding techniques when analysing raw qualitative data. The study offers helpful insights into the effectiveness of different coding aspects and highlights the need for training in advanced qualitative coding techniques.