An Introduction to Codes and Coding Chapter Summary Purposes of the Manual What Is a Code? Codifying and Categorizing What Gets Coded? The Mechanics of Coding The Numbers of Codes Manual and CAQDAS Coding Solo and Team Coding Necessary Personal Attributes for Coding On Method Writing Analytic Memos Chapter Summary The Purposes of Analytic Memo-Writing What Is an Analytic Memo? Examples of Analytic Memos Coding and Categorizing Analytic Memos Grounded Theory and Its Coding Canon Analytic Memos on Visual Data First-Cycle Coding Methods Chapter Summary The Coding Cycles Selecting the Appropriate Coding Method(s) Overview of First-Cycle Coding Methods The Coding Methods Profiles Grammatical Methods Elemental Methods Affective Methods Literary and Language Methods Exploratory Methods Forms for Additional First-Cycle Coding Methods Theming the Data Procedural Methods After First-Cycle Coding Chapter Summary Post-Coding Transitions Eclectic Coding Code Mapping and Landscaping Operational Model Diagramming Additional Transition Methods Transitioning to Second-Cycle Coding Methods Second-Cycle Coding Methods Chapter Summary The Goals of Second-Cycle Methods Overview of Second-Cycle Coding Methods Second-Cycle Coding Methods Forms for Additional Second-Cycle Coding Methods After Second-Cycle Coding Chapter Summary Post-Coding and Pre-Writing Transitions Focusing Strategies From Coding to Theorizing Formatting Matters Writing about Coding Ordering and Re-Ordering Assistance from Others Closure Appendix A: A Glossary of Coding Methods Appendix B: A Glossary of Analytic Recommendations Appendix C: Field Note, Interview Transcript and Document Samples for Coding Appendix D: Exercises and Activities for Coding and Qualitative Data Analytic Skill Development References Index

The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers

Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques

Saturation has attained widespread acceptance as a methodological principle in qualitative research. It is commonly taken to indicate that, on the basis of the data that have been collected or analysed hitherto, further data collection and/or analysis are unnecessary. However, there appears to be uncertainty as to how saturation should be conceptualized, and inconsistencies in its use. In this paper, we look to clarify the nature, purposes and uses of saturation, and in doing so add to theoretical debate on the role of saturation across different methodologies. We identify four distinct approaches to saturation, which differ in terms of the extent to which an inductive or a deductive logic is adopted, and the relative emphasis on data collection, data analysis, and theorizing. We explore the purposes saturation might serve in relation to these different approaches, and the implications for how and when saturation will be sought. In examining these issues, we highlight the uncertain logic underlying saturation—as essentially a predictive statement about the unobserved based on the observed, a judgement that, we argue, results in equivocation, and may in part explain the confusion surrounding its use. We conclude that saturation should be operationalized in a way that is consistent with the research question(s), and the theoretical position and analytic framework adopted, but also that there should be some limit to its scope, so as not to risk saturation losing its coherence and potency if its conceptualization and uses are stretched too widely.

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs11135-017-0574-8.pdf

Saturation in qualitative research: exploring its conceptualization and operationalization

Qualitative Interviewing: The Art of Hearing Data

Sufficient knowledge is available about the definition, details and differences of qualitative content and thematic analysis as two approaches of qualitative descriptive research. However, identifying the main features of theme as the data analysis product and the method of its development remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to describe the meaning of theme and offer a method on theme construction that can be used by qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis researchers in line with the underpinning specific approach to data analysis. This methodological paper comprises an analytical overview of qualitative descriptive research products and the meaning of theme. Also, our practical experiences of qualitative analysis supported by relevant published literature informed the generation of a stage like model of theme construction for qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. This paper comprises: (i) analytical importance of theme, (ii) meaning of theme, (iii) meaning of category, (iv) theme and category in terms of level of content, and (v) theme development. This paper offers a conceptual clarification and a pragmatic step by step method of theme development that has the capacity of assisting nurse researchers understand how theme is developed. As nursing is a pragmatic discipline, nurse researchers have tried to develop practical findings and devise some way to “do something” with findings to enhance the action and impact of nursing. The application of a precise method of theme development for qualitative descriptive data analysis suggested in this paper helps yield meaningful, credible and practical results for nursing.

/pdf/theme-development-in-qualitative-content-analysis-and-2q4az4zl8f.pdf

Theme development in qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis

Risky business? Addressing the challenges of historical methods in the ‘digital age’

The major deliverable of the project has been the development of the Guide. At the COAL FACE: A Guide to active learning in a multi-campus, multi-modal and distributed learning environments. The Guide provides practical strategies to guide the design of active learning experiences in complex, multi-campus and distributed university learning environments. The title of the Guide describes the aspirational purpose that grounded the OLT Extension Grant project to address the needs of regional Australian learners. The aim of the COAL FACE project was to research and develop active learning strategies that would enable the development of Communities of Active Learners that are Flexible, Adaptive, Connected and Engaged.

At the COAL FACE: a guide to active learning in multi-campus, multi-modal and distributed learning environments

Singapore has been a popular site for the delivery of a wide range of distance learning and other types of courses from the UK, North America and Australia. Many of these courses have been business or management orientated though more recently a number of overseas-based Bachelor programs have been introduced, designed specifically for Registered Nurses living and working in Singapore.

Nursing in Singapore - what are the issues?

Introduction: Examining the role of the nurses working in remote and isolated areas of Queensland and identifying the necessary competencies, training and resources required by registered nurses to work in these practice contexts was the aim of this commissioned research study.

Methods: A multiple case study research design was utilised to investigate nursing in remote and isolated areas of Queensland. The data generation methods included an integrative review of the published and grey literature, an analysis of workforce data, and a mini environmental scan to determine the parameters and characteristics of the three cases. These data provided background for interpreting additional data generated from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with nurses employed in each case.

Results: 13.11% of the nursing workforce in Queensland work in non-metropolitan areas as classified using the ARIA classification index with 4.34% of this number employed in remote or very remote areas. For most of these nurses their role is generalist and acute care interventionist focussed, although there was an acceptance that health outcomes would improve if primary prevention activities were prioritised.

Conclusion: The role of nurses working in remote and isolated practice settings in Queensland is complex. A refocussing of the role of these nurses with an emphasis on primary health care is recommended. Nurses must be adequately resourced in these positions and prepared for their unique role both clinically and culturally. Access to pre-deployment professionals to engage with communities and promote wellbeing.

Nursing in remote or isolated areas of Queensland: role, resources and readiness for practice

Background and Purpose:
The flexible exercise participation program (FEPP) is a novel intervention developed to enable individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) participate and progress in an exercise or sport of their choice. The FEPP is underpinned by guidelines on aerobic exercise for individuals with MS and is supported by a physiotherapist using behaviour change techniques. As part of a FEPP feasibility trial, the aim of this nested study was to explore the experience of participation in the FEPP from the perspective of individuals with MS. The objectives were to i) determine the acceptability of the FEPP and ii) identify recommendations for improvement.

Methods:
A mixed methods study using a sequential explanatory design was conducted. Part I consisted of a quantitative participant survey. Survey data were analysed descriptively using SPSS and informed the protocol for part II - qualitative interviews. Interview data were analysed thematically using NVivo. Part III consisted of integration of quantitative and qualitative data to allow greater explanation of survey responses. Individuals with MS who had participated in the FEPP feasibility trial were invited to take part in the study. 

Results:
The FEPP was highly acceptability to the 10 participants. Five themes emerged to describe the experience of participating in the FEPP: i) exploring exercise boundaries, ii) measuring energy, iii) acknowledging accountability, iv) adjusting to exercising in a pandemic and v) sustaining participation. Recommendations for improving the FEPP included changes to energy level monitoring and incorporation of peer support mechanisms.

Discussion:
Participants found the FEPP highly acceptable and valued the flexibility to choose their own activity and the health professional support. Based on participant recommendations, future versions of the FEPP will include daily rather than weekly monitoring of exercise and peer support to further enable individuals with MS to find the right balance with exercise and sport.

Melanie Birks

Papers

Risky business? Addressing the challenges of historical methods in the ‘digital age’

At the COAL FACE: a guide to active learning in multi-campus, multi-modal and distributed learning environments

Nursing in Singapore - what are the issues?

Nursing in remote or isolated areas of Queensland: role, resources and readiness for practice

Consumer experience of a flexible exercise participation program (FEPP) for individuals with multiple sclerosis: A mixed-methods study.