What is Open, Axial, and Selective Coding?

Open coding, axial coding, and selective coding are steps in the grounded theory method of analyzing qualitative data.
Learn more about open, axial and selective coding at www.delvetool.com/axial
Start a free trial of Delve qualitative analysis tool at www.delvetool.com/getstarted
Before you begin coding, you should have collected some qualitative data such as transcriptions from interviews. With grounded theory, your aim is to derive new theories and concepts based on this qualitative data.
Open coding is the first step, where you take your textual data and break it up into discrete parts. Then, you create “codes” and label these parts. Open-coding is meant to open you up to new theoretical possibilities, as you first engage with your qualitative data.
Next comes, Axial coding, where you draw connections between the codes you developed in open coding. Group your codes into categories. These categories become the “axes” that tie your codes together.
Each of these coding steps are iterative. You should continuously go back and do further rounds of coding based on codes and categories derived in each step. Once you’re finished, you’ll have a new theory grounded in your qualitative data.

[@whitneymosery3075]

So clear and immensely helpful. Thanks, Delve!

[@DelveTool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheUmaragu]

Very nice explanation; I am a PhD student doing qualitative research.

[@DelveTool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Mellaoliko]

Very helpful,I’m a Chinese bachelor who prepare for master entrance examination,thank for posting❤

[@DelveTool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gregorymiller2977]

Very helpful. Thanks for posting.

[@DelveTool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@loyisomagengenene314]

A very helpful information, thank you

[@DelveTool]

Glad you found our open, axial, and selective video informative!

[@rehigginssteele]

This is great, Thank You!

[@DelveTool]

Glad you like it!

[@manalalduraibi983]

Can I use Systematic Literature Review data in the Open Coding process to develop themes and then do Axial Coding by using data from semi-structured interviews?

[@juangabrielcuevas1917]

Thank you!

[@DelveTool]

You're welcome!

[@wanimizu3245]

Go for it.... very well explained

[@DelveTool]

Thanks!

[@mjt_00]

so clear!

[@DelveTool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@musabsalihakten8264]

What I don't understand: If I form a "core category", why and how should that be my thesis?

[@DelveTool]

Hi Musab! We have a more in depth video on the full process and how core categories fit into your research here. It's a 30 minute webinar on grounded theory: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqjGp2eXos-enJI

[@jeninayusi9244]

Can i cancel subscription after the trial?

[@DelveTool]

Yes you can cancel the subscription at any time! You can start the trial here: delvetool.com/getstarted

[@amiygupta1880]

Is core category and core variable same in grounded theory?

[@DelveTool]

Absolutely, in grounded theory, the terms 'core categories' and 'core variables' essentially point to the same concept. They represent the key theme that surfaces from your data. This central theme or category is critical for the construction of your theory. Even though both terms are used, we almost exclusively use 'core category' in practice. As you continue with your research, the understanding of this core category may evolve, and it shapes the overall understanding and explanation of the phenomena you're studying.

[@amiygupta1880]

Thank you, mam.

[@GUILLE510606]

Podrían hacerlo en español tambie por favor

[@DelveTool]

Lo sentimos, aún no tenemos una versión en español. Pero puede usar la función de traducción automática de KZbin para obtener los subtítulos en español.