Coding is used extensively in the field of social science for qualitative analysis. Coding is not defined in the same ways as it is for software development. The following quote by Salda�a provides a useful definition of coding within the social science world:
A code in qualitative inquiry is most often a word or short phrase that symbolically assigns a summative, salient, essence capturing, and/or evocative attribute for a portion of language-based or visual data [1]
"By "language-based or visual data", Salda�a means video, audio recordings or written notes. Once the information has been gathered the researcher then assigns 'a word or a short phrase' to represent sections of the data. Then the researcher examines and categorises the codes to see what patterns and theories emerge. These activities together are known as qualitative research coding. For example if a researcher were studying the morals of teenagers, the researcher would record conversations and then use coding activities to see what patterns emerge. Based upon these patterns the researcher would form theories about the morals of teenagers.
Testers using this type of coding may find it helps to label; organise and classify their testing observations. It provides structure not only to the testers' observations, but also to the process of observing. Observation and gathering information are important aspects of testing. |