SayPro Data Coding Manual

Version 1.0 – June 2025
Prepared for SayPro Researchers and Analysts

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1. Purpose of the Manual

The SayPro Data Coding Manual provides standardized guidelines for coding qualitative and quantitative data across research activities, ensuring consistency, reliability, and accuracy in analysis and reporting.

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2. Key Objectives

• Provide structure for organizing raw data.
• Enable reproducible and consistent interpretation.
• Support theme identification and pattern recognition.
• Align data coding with SayPro’s strategic goals and research framework.

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3. Data Types and Sources

• Qualitative Data: Interviews, focus groups, open-ended surveys, observation notes.
• Quantitative Data: Ratings, survey scales, behavioral metrics.
• Mixed Sources: GPT prompt responses, SayPro Feedback Forms, user-submitted queries.

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4. Coding Framework

4.1. Code Categories

Use these top-level categories for initial segmentation:

• Motivation – Emotional, rational, social drivers.
• Perception – Beliefs, brand image, quality evaluation.
• Attitude – Preferences, satisfaction, resistance, advocacy.
• Behavior – Usage patterns, loyalty, feedback.
• Barriers – Access, cost, misunderstanding, resistance to change.
• Outcomes – Learning, satisfaction, impact.

4.2. Code Structure Example

Code	Category	Description	Example Phrase
M1	Motivation	Rational motivation to use the product	“I chose SayPro because it saves time”
P2	Perception	Negative perception of service quality	“The support was not responsive”
A3	Attitude	Willingness to recommend	“I’d tell my colleagues to use it”
B1	Behavior	Frequency of platform usage	“I log in every week”
R2	Barriers	Lack of understanding	“I didn’t know how to access it”

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5. Coding Process

Step 1: Familiarization

• Read through all data sources.
• Highlight potential codes or emerging patterns.

Step 2: Initial Coding

• Assign provisional codes to text or numerical data.
• Use SayPro-provided code sheets or digital tools.

Step 3: Code Refinement

• Group related codes into themes.
• Recode where necessary to improve alignment.

Step 4: Cross-Verification

• Collaborate with a second coder.
• Use SayPro’s reliability checklist to resolve discrepancies.

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6. Coding Tools

• SayPro Coding Spreadsheet Template
• SayPro GPT Prompt Tracker
• NVivo or Excel for Qualitative Coding
• SayPro Data Analysis Framework

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7. Coding Tips

• Stay close to the data; avoid over-interpretation.
• Use consistent language and definitions.
• When in doubt, flag data for team discussion.
• Note anomalies and exceptions—they may be significant.

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8. Quality Assurance

• Weekly review of coded data.
• Inter-coder agreement check (at least 85% match).
• Codebook updates every quarter or per project need.

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9. Confidentiality & Ethics

• Follow SayPro’s NDA and Data Protection Guidelines.
• Anonymize identifiable data before sharing or publishing.
• Do not alter raw content unless approved.

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10. Appendices

• Appendix A: Sample Codebook
• Appendix B: Thematic Coding Examples
• Appendix C: Weekly Coding Report Template
• Appendix D: SayPro Coding Glossary