To ensure your analysis is credible, you must demonstrate that your coding is consistent. A common way to achieve this is through Interrater Reliability: having multiple researchers code the same data to verify that they interpret the categories in the same way.
Interrater Reliability (IRR)
If working with a team, IRR measures how consistently different coders apply the same codes.
- Training: Practice coding a sample together to align interpretations.
- Consensus Meetings: Discuss disagreements and clarify definitions.
- Metrics: Use Cohen’s Kappa or Percent Agreement to report consistency.
