Developing coding systems to analyse difference

This article looks at an accredited training programme called Regeneration through Community Assessment and Action (CAA) designed by Development Focus UK. It involves training teams of local residents and local professional workers in participatory research methods. This article particularly focuses on the development and use of coding systems in the CAA. Coding systems allow the research team to record selected characteristics of each person consulted during the CAA process in order to reveal agreement, differences, resolve conflict and ensure that all interests are represented. It begins by describing how a coding system is developed and implemented and then goes to discuss how information from the coding system can be used, providing examples from projects in the UK. It highlights that the credibility of the CAA methodology arises because of its application of both quantitative and qualitative research elements.