Developing codes from the interview: reading versus listening

Abstract

Background: Interviewing is a vital and common method of collecting data in qualitative research. The interview is usually recorded and a written transcription is created from the recording. The transcription document is then analysed by reading and re-reading to fracture the data and develop initial codes, as in grounded theory methodology. However, this method has disadvantages.

Aim: To report on how the authors used the process of generating initial codes during their analysis in a research study.

Discussion: The authors compare the rigour and efficiency of generating initial codes from reading written transcripts with generating initial codes from listening to recordings. The most notable difference between the two methods is the length of time needed to transcribe the recording before coding can start. The authors discuss the lessons they learned from their pragmatic decision to expedite initial coding by listening to rather than reading the interview data.

Conclusion: Grounded theory requires concurrent data generation and analysis. Audio analysis is efficient in developing initial codes from interview recordings.

Implications for practice: Nurse researchers can use the audio method of analysing interview data.

Keywords: data analysis; data collection; interview; qualitative research; research; research methodology.