Template Analysis, as articulated by Nigel King, is a flexible, iterative approach to qualitative data analysis that combines deductive (a priori) and inductive (data-driven) coding. Its strength lies in its ability to manage large datasets while remaining grounded in the data.

Developing your initial template of codes is the crucial first step after you've familiarized yourself with your data. This initial template isn't final; it's a working tool that will evolve as you apply it to more data.

Here's how to develop your initial template, leveraging both "a priori" and "from subset of data" approaches, as King recommends.

1. Understanding the Dual Nature of King's Initial Template

King's approach encourages a blend of:

• Deductive (A Priori) Coding: Starting with an initial set of codes derived from your research questions, theoretical framework, existing literature, or even your interview schedule topics. This provides a structured starting point.


• Inductive (Data-Driven) Coding: Generating new codes directly from the data as you read and analyze it. This ensures that unique and unexpected themes emerging from your participants' experiences are captured.

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Your Initial Template

Step 1: Data Preparation & Familiarization

Before coding, ensure your data (e.g., interview transcripts, field notes) is prepared and you've engaged with it.

• Transcribe (if necessary): Ensure your data is in a format suitable for analysis.


• Read & Re-read: Immerse yourself in the data. Get a general sense of the content, key themes, and main ideas expressed by participants. Don't code yet, just understand.

Step 2: Develop Initial A Priori Codes

This forms the deductive part of your template.

• Review Research Questions: What are you trying to find out? Your research questions will directly suggest broad categories or themes.


• Example: If a research question is "How do remote workers manage work-life balance?", "Work-Life Balance" is a likely top-level code (a 'domain' or 'main theme').


• Consult Theoretical Frameworks: If you're using a specific theory, its constructs can become codes.


• Example: If using Self-Determination Theory, codes might include "Autonomy," "Competence," "Relatedness."


• Scan Interview/Focus Group Schedules: The topics you asked about are excellent starting points for codes.


• Example: If your interview guide had sections on "Challenges of Remote Work," "Benefits of Remote Work," "Technology Use," these can become your initial high-level domains.


• Review Existing Literature: What are the key themes or categories identified in previous research on your topic? Be careful not to force your data into these, but they can inform initial ideas.


• List Potential Hierarchies: Start thinking about how these a priori codes might group together. Template Analysis often uses a hierarchical structure (e.g., Main Domain -> Theme -> Sub-Theme).


• Output: Create a preliminary list of codes, perhaps with some initial definitions and ideas for sub-codes.


• Example A Priori List:


• Domain 1: Work-Life Balance


• Theme: Boundaries


• Theme: Time Management


• Theme: Impact on Personal Life


• Domain 2: Technology & Resources


• Theme: Tools Used


• Theme: Technical Support


• Theme: Resource Adequacy


• Domain 3: Social Connection


• Theme: Team Communication


• Theme: Isolation/Loneliness


• Theme: Informal Interactions

Step 3: Select a Subset of Data for Inductive Coding

You don't want to code all your data inductively from scratch; that defeats the purpose of an initial template.

• Choose a Representative Subset: Select 2-3 pieces of data (e.g., 2-3 interview transcripts, 1-2 focus group transcripts) that represent the diversity of your overall dataset (e.g., different demographics, varied experiences, or particularly rich accounts). This small subset will be where new codes primarily emerge.

Step 4: Inductively Code the Subset of Data & Integrate with A Priori Codes

This is where the magic of King's method truly begins to merge.

• Open Coding on the Subset:


• Read through your selected subset line-by-line or paragraph-by-paragraph.


• As you read, actively ask yourself: "What is this participant talking about?" "What is the key idea here?" "What code best captures this segment of text?"


• Generate new codes directly from the data (in vivo codes are excellent here): Don't be afraid to use participants' own words as codes initially.


• Example: A participant says, "I really miss just grabbing a coffee with Sarah at the water cooler." You might code this as "Miss water cooler chats" or "Informal social interactions."


• Don't worry about perfection: Just generate codes that seem to fit.


• Compare Inductive Codes with A Priori Codes:


• As you generate inductive codes, constantly compare them with your existing a priori list.


• **Can an inductive code be subsumed under an existing a priori theme?** If so, apply the a priori code.


• **Is an inductive code a new aspect of an existing a priori theme?** Then add it as a sub-theme or refine an existing theme.


• Is an inductive code completely new and doesn't fit anywhere? Then create a new code, and potentially a new main domain if it's a significant overarching concept.


• Refine and Group Codes Hierarchically:


• Look for overlaps and redundancies among all your codes (both a priori and newly generated).


• Merge similar codes: If "Miss water cooler chats" and "Lunch with colleagues" both speak to "Informal Social Interactions," make "Informal Social Interactions" a sub-theme under "Social Connection."


• Split complex codes: If an a priori code like "Challenges of Remote Work" is too broad, split it into more specific sub-themes (e.g., "Technical Glitches," "Distractions at Home," "Lack of Collaboration").


• Rename codes: Ensure codes are clear, concise, and accurately reflect the data.


• Create hierarchies: Group similar themes under broader domains. King emphasizes this hierarchical structure.


• Output: A revised list of codes, now integrated, refined, and organized hierarchically.


• Example Integrated Initial Template (after processing subset):


• Domain 1: Work-Life Balance (A Priori)


• Theme: Boundaries (A Priori)


• Sub-theme: Overtime Work (Inductive)


• Sub-theme: Blurring Home/Work (Inductive)


• Theme: Time Management (A Priori)


• Theme: Impact on Personal Life (A Priori)


• Sub-theme: Family Demands (Inductive)


• Sub-theme: Reduced Leisure (Inductive)


• Domain 2: Technology & Resources (A Priori)


• Theme: Tools Used (A Priori)


• Theme: Technical Support (A Priori)


• Theme: Resource Adequacy (A Priori)


• Sub-theme: Ergonomics (Inductive - emerged from discomfort)


• Domain 3: Social Connection (A Priori)


• Theme: Team Communication (A Priori)


• Theme: Isolation/Loneliness (A Priori)


• Theme: Informal Social Interactions (Inductive - replacing/refining 'Informal interactions')


• Sub-theme: Missed 'Water Cooler' Chats (Inductive - in vivo)


• Sub-theme: Virtual Social Events (Inductive)


• Domain 4: Autonomy & Flexibility (NEW INDUCTIVE DOMAIN - emerged strongly from data)


• Theme: Control over Schedule (Inductive)


• Theme: Choice of Work Environment (Inductive)

Step 5: Document Your Initial Template

For each code in your template (domains, themes, sub-themes):

• Provide a Clear Definition: What does this code mean? What kind of data does it capture?


• Give Inclusion Criteria: What qualifies text for this code?


• Give Exclusion Criteria (optional but helpful): What types of data shouldn't be coded here?


• Provide Examples (optional but highly recommended): Include a few direct quotes or paraphrased data segments that exemplify the code.

Key Principles for Your Initial Template

• Flexibility is Key: This is just your starting point. It is expected to change and evolve. Do not aim for perfection.


• Hierarchy: King's Template Analysis thrives on a hierarchical structure. Think about how codes group into broader categories.


• Data-Driven Refinement: Even your a priori codes should be questioned and refined based on what you find in the data subset.


• Iterative Process: Once you have this initial template, you will apply it to the rest of your data, and you will continue to refine and modify it as new data challenges or supports existing codes.