Selective coding

Selective coding is a stage in grounded theory analysis (‘constant comparison’) which is undertaken once a core variable has been identified,

“Selective coding means to cease open coding and to delimit coding to only those variables that relate to the core variable in sufficiently significant ways as to produce a parsimonious theory. Selective coding begins only after the analyst is sure that he/she has discovered the core variable.” (Glaser & Holton, 2004, ¶55)

At this point theoretical sampling is focused on developing theory around the core variable:

“Subsequent data collection and coding is thereby delimited to that which is relevant to the emergent conceptual framework. This selective data collection and analysis continues until the researcher has sufficiently elaborated and integrated the core variable, its properties and its theoretical connections to other relevant categories.” (Glaser & Holton, 2004, ¶56)

Glaser, Barney G. & Holton, Judith (2004) Remodeling Grounded Theory, Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 5(2), Article 4

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