Final answer:
The organizing principle for qualitative coding is concept-driven, understood as the approach. Qualitative coding employs thematic analysis and categorization, relying on the researcher's critical thinking to interpret data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organizing principle for qualitative coding in sociological research is concept-driven, which can also be understood as the approach taken in analyzing data. Qualitative coding relies on identifying thematic structures and formulating categories based on the patterns and relationships that arise from the data. Unlike quantitative research that follows a more rigid procedural sequence, qualitative research is more interpretive and iterative, requiring the analytical and critical thinking skills of the researcher. The final stage often involves linking the research findings to the original research questions and interpreting the data through the identified themes. As qualitative studies cannot be repeated to yield the exact same results due to their inherent nature, the approach to coding and data analysis is crucial to ensure validity and reliability of the findings.