Coding 101


1.  Plan ahead. 

When you create a dataset, you can also create a hierarchical code set for it. Plan out the code hierarchy before you create it in DiscoverText. 

2.  Create hierarchical code sets.  

When you create a dataset, you can create a hierarchical code set, which is a multi-keystroke coding option. This is a useful way to code a complex dataset.

For example, in a code set about American political issues, the top level code indicates the geographical region, such as the Pacific Northwest. The next level indicates the type of issue, such as education.

3.  Create "candidate" user-defined codes.   

By enabling the user-defined options when creating a dataset,  coders can manually create coding choices as "candidates" for inclusion in the final project.

Coding schemes that emerge from the data inductively can be discovered by creating candidate codes. It is a way to signal preliminary thinking. There is no candidate function in the software. It is more a state of mind related to where you are in the project.  See Create and apply user-defined codes in a dataset.

4.  Use tools to save time when coding. 

DiscoverText is designed to record speed and accuracy of coding over time because efficient coders are fast and accurate.

5.  Ways to help speed up the process of coding:

  1. To ensure that the application accurately records the coding time, click the Stop Coding button to stop the timer when you are finished coding. Otherwise, your coding time is higher than it should be.
  2. Code with a keystroke instead of clicking with a mouse
  3. Code in the list view. (See Code in the List View for more information)
  4. Use listing options when coding in the list view to display more results on a page that can be coded at once.
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