4/8/2016

As the “core stage of grounded theory methodology” (Glaser 1998), memoing is instrumental in developing codes systems directly from your data. In this line of inquiry, memos usually include commentary or insight related to codes, ideas concerning possible relationships between codes, or descriptions of particular events or settings. However, memoing is not limited to grounded theory and can be useful in all types of qualitative research inquiries.

Given its free-flowing nature, memoing allows the researcher to log his or her thoughts in relation to the project during research and reflection thereafter. Through this process, memos provide insight into not only the research in question, but also into the researcher’s research methods.

How does Dedoose fit into all of this? Dedoose supports the memo tradition by including a modernized memo system accessible anywhere within Dedoose at anytime. In addition to tracking independent ideas, Dedoose also allows for memos to be directly linked to source materials, excerpts, codes, and/or descriptors. Memos themselves can also be directly converted to code-able source material, perfect for analyzing field notes or other reflective documentation. Take a dive into our memo system and see how you can begin using memos today!