ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I discuss how to move from the focus group sessions to the final stage of research: analysis and results. Coding is the process of qualitative data reduction-translating hours of conversational data into findings or conclusions. The coding and analysis process for a focus group project typically follows a fivestep procedure: (1) transcription of video or audio tape recordings of the sessions; (2) an initial read-through of the transcripts while making analytical notations; (3) a first coding pass, usually called open coding; (4) a second coding pass in which categories or findings are combined, broken apart, and re-categorized, usually called constant comparison; (5) one or more additional analytical passes in which bigger-picture ideas, speculations, or conclusions are formulated and connected to preexisting theory, contexts, or concepts in a way that addresses the research questions and provides guidance to the client or research project.
