Example of coding of physical traces.

1. You want to study dormitory decorations --
How might you quantify these traces?
QUANTIFYING TRACES

2. 1
2
Counting Codes – how many decorations are
on the walls?
QUANTIFYING TRACES
3 4 5
6 7

3. Art
Art
Art
4 Photos
QUANTIFYING TRACES
Category Coding – what types of decorations
are on the walls?

4. 3
1
1 2 2
2 2
Rating Codes – rate the decorations as 1 =
feminine, 2 = neutral, 3 = masculine
QUANTIFYING TRACES

5. QUANTIFYING TRACES
Area Coding – how much space on the walls
is covered with decorations?

6.  # of Reference Items
 ___ maps
 ___ schedules
 ___ phone numbers
 ___ announcements
 ___ calendars
 ___ clocks
 ___ newspaper
clippings
 # of Sports Related
Items
 ___ skiing
 ___ football
 ___ tennis
 ___ backpacking
 ___ surfing
 ___ other (wrestling,
hockey, etc.)
QUANTIFYING TRACES
Combined Coding – This scheme combines
counting and category coding.

7. QUANTIFYING TRACES
Your Codes – Unique research often requires
unique methods; what works best for you?