Qualitative analysis of interview data: A step-by-step guide for coding/indexing

Quickly browse through all interview transcripts to gain an overview and make initial notes on first impressions. Re-read each transcript meticulously, focusing on line-by-line analysis. Start labeling relevant elements like words, phrases, sentences, or sections using coding or indexing to capture actions, activities, or other pertinent information. Use repetition, surprises, explicit statements, prior knowledge, or theoretical connections as cues for coding. Decide on the most important codes and group them together to form categories. Discard unnecessary codes generated in the previous step. Aim for unbiased categorization and conceptualization, potentially resulting in numerous codes. Label the categories generated, such as themes or concepts, and describe the connections between them. These labeled categories and connections become the primary results of the study. Optional steps include deciding on hierarchy among categories, assessing the importance of each, and potentially creating a visual representation (e.g., a figure). Under the 'Results' section, neutrally describe categories and their connections. Reserve interpretations for the 'Discussion' section, relating results to prior studies, theories, or relevant concepts. Acknowledge the general applicability of the tutorial to qualitative analysis beyond interview transcripts. Suggested reading includes Alan Bryman's 'Social Research Methods' and Steinar Kvale's and Svend Brinkmann's 'InterViews' for deeper insights into qualitative interview research.