Using multiple coders to enhance qualitative analysis: The case of interviews with consumers of drug treatment

Abstract

This article describes strategies used to support a systematic, inductive analysis of interviews with consumers of drug treatment. Data analysis was based on phenomenology and grounded theory. A coding system was developed, with a codebook to explicate the system. The codebook comprised the code address, mnemonic and full name, the code definition and when it should be applied, as well as text examples. A multi-disciplinary coding team was formed, with individuals from research, clinical and service use backgrounds. Challenges in the team approach included the different skill levels brought to the task, resource needs across multiple coders, and time demands on team members. Benefits rested in the inclusion of multiple perspectives in researcher backgrounds and in the opportunities to discuss coding disagreements and refine the coding system. Having two primary coders reduced flexibility in the iterative process of coding analysis, particularly interpretive and pattern coding. The codebook was useful for coding and writing findings. The codebook structure could be applied to other projects and used as a comparison point during analysis.