<\/span><\/h3>\nInitial coding is the first stage of data analysis, where the researcher examines the data line by line and assigns short labels, i.e., codes<\/strong>, to meaningful segments of text. The objective is to remain as close as possible to the participants\u2019 own words and avoid imposing preconceived interpretations.<\/p>\nResearchers often ask questions such as:<\/p>\n
\n- What is happening here?<\/li>\n
- What action or process is being described?<\/li>\n
- What concern is the participant expressing?<\/li>\n
- How are they responding to the situation?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For example, consider the interview excerpt:<\/p>\n
\u201cWhenever I encounter a difficult patient, I ask a senior nurse to review my treatment plan before proceeding.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nPossible initial codes might include:<\/p>\n