The Key to Coding Qualitative Data: Examples from the 4-H Youth Retention Study

Authors

Sarah Hensley, University of Florida IFASFollow
Janet Fox, University of Tennessee Institute of AgricultureFollow
Missy Cummins, Washington State University ExtensionFollow
Meggan Franks, Louisiana State University Ag CenterFollow
Marianne Bird, University of California Agriculture and Natural ResourcesFollow
Cindy Wells, University of Missouri ExtensionFollow
JoLynn Miller, University of California Cooperative ExtensionFollow

Volume

62

Issue

1

DOI

10.34068/joe.62.01.15

Abstract

Cooperative Extension professionals utilize proven qualitative techniques to collect and analyze information to make data-driven decisions that guide program direction and determine impact. While the process may not always look the same, it is indeed essential to ensure findings are credible and reflective of the data. A codebook is a valuable tool that promotes interrater reliability among teams and enhances the reliability of findings. This article provides an overview of the process used to analyze qualitative data and the steps followed to create a codebook. Examples of the analysis process and codebook development are provided from the 4-H multi-state Youth Retention Study.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Hensley, S., Fox, J., Cummins, M., Franks, M., Bird, M., Wells, C., & Miller, J. (2024). The Key to Coding Qualitative Data: Examples from the 4-H Youth Retention Study. The Journal of Extension, 62(1), Article 15. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.62.01.15