Final answer:
Strauss & Corbin's "open coding" refers to breaking down data and identifying themes and concepts. It is the first step in qualitative data analysis, crucial for developing initial categories from thematic structures in the data.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Strauss & Corbin refer to "open coding," they mean breaking data down and closely examining it in order to identify themes and concepts. This process is part of qualitative data analysis, which is characterized by the absence of universally valid procedures for generating findings. Instead, analytical and critical thinking skills propel the research. Open coding is a meticulous step where data is dissected to form initial categories, which assist the researcher in understanding the thematic structures of the data.
During open coding, the data is coded without the initial intention of building a theory. This is the initial phase of coding, where the researcher reads through the data meticulously, marking important words and phrases that indicate recurring themes or ideas. These marked sections are then used to develop categories that will be further refined in subsequent coding processes such as axial coding and selective coding.
The interpretive research framework supports open coding as it allows the researcher to be descriptive and adapt research methods as necessary, leading to in-depth understanding.