Coding - First steps.

Coding: 

(v.f re Assumed flat plane  absolute categorization driven by instrumentality (links to feminist criticism? ask Catherine) re natural systems: complementary, self similar, no absolute boundary,
(metaphor of hands of body)

*the tendency towards classification via binary categories is an issue  with potentially serious consequences in the context of fixing (arbitrary and profitable) oppositional subject positions...




Classification/coding  can be 'object' based or functional...
i.e. can relate to human need or be an isolated depiction -  e.g. it can be automated and uncurious replication or a conscious deliberation and discussion  of function.(relates to Habermas Communicative Discourse)

Coding refers to an analytical process in which data, in both quantitative form (such as questionnaires results) or qualitative (such as interview transcripts) are categorised to facilitate analysis.

Coding means the transformation of data into a form understandable by computer software. The classification of information is an important step in preparation of data for computer processing withstatistical software.

One code should apply to only one category and categories should be comprehensive. There should be clear guidelines for coders (individual who do the coding) so that code is consistent.

Some studies will employ multiple coders working independently on the same date. This minimizes the chance of errors from coding and increases the reliability of data.

For disciplines in which a qualitative format is preferential, including ethnography, humanistic geography or phenomenological psychology a varied approach to coding can be applied. Iain Hey (2005)^{[citation needed]} outlines a two step process beginning with basic coding in order to distinguish overall themes, followed by a more in depth, interpretive code in which more specific trends and patterns can be interpreted.

The process can be done manually, which can be as simple as highlighting different concepts with different colours, or fed into a software package. Qualitative software packages include for exampleAtlas.ti,  and NVivo.