A topic in research methodology
Open coding is a procedure of coding data that does not rely upon a preconceived set of codes, but rather is open to the analyst using whatever codes seem to best work (fit) for the data being analysed.
Open coding is common in interpretivist research using qualitative data.
Open coding is important in grounded theory (GT) studies as the first stage in the analytical process known as constant comparison. Effective open coding relies upon the theoretical sensitivity of the analyst.
“The analyst codes for as many categories as fit successive, different incidents, while coding into as many categories as possible. New categories emerge and new incidents fit into existing categories”
Glaser & Holton, 2004, ¶48
Emergence and fit are key ideas in GT approaches.
Substantive codes:
Open coding supports the development of ‘substantive’ categories, i.e., categories close to the empirical level:
“The conceptualization of data through coding is the foundation of GT development. Incidents articulated in the data are analyzed and coded, using the constant comparative method, to generate initially substantive, and later theoretical, categories….
Substantive codes conceptualize the empirical substance of the area of research.”
Glaser & Holton, 2004, ¶47
Source cited:
- Glaser, Barney G. & Holton, Judith (2004) Remodeling Grounded Theory, Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 5(2), Article 4
My introduction to educational research:
Taber, K. S. (2013). Classroom-based Research and Evidence-based Practice: An introduction (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
