Systematic Text Condensation (STC) is a qualitative data analysis method designed to condense large amounts of text data into meaningful themes and sub-themes while preserving the original context. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform STC:
1. Read and Get Familiar with the Data
- Initial Reading: Thoroughly read through all your text data (e.g., interview transcripts, open-ended survey responses) to get an overall sense of the content.
- Note Taking: Jot down initial impressions, recurrent themes, and notable points as you read.
2. Identify and Sort Meaning Units
- Meaning Units: Identify sections of text (sentences or paragraphs) that contain information relevant to your research question. These are called meaning units.
- Code Meaning Units: Assign codes (short labels) to each meaning unit that capture the essence of the content. Each meaning unit can be associated with one or more codes.
3. Condense and Abstract the Content
- Group Codes: Group similar codes together to form code groups. These groups represent different aspects of your data.
- Condense: Summarize the content of each code group by condensing the meaning units into a shorter, more abstract form while retaining the core meaning.
- Develop Sub-themes: From the condensed meaning units, develop sub-themes that encapsulate the condensed information.
4. Summarize and Synthesize Themes
- Main Themes: Synthesize the sub-themes into broader main themes that reflect the overarching patterns in your data.
- Write Up: Summarize the main themes in a coherent narrative, integrating direct quotes from the data to illustrate each theme and sub-theme.
Example Workflow
Read all transcripts and take notes on your initial impressions and any notable patterns.
Highlight sections of text that seem significant and relevant. For example:
Code
Interviewee 1: "I find the support from colleagues very motivating." Meaning Unit: "Support from colleagues is motivating."
3 Code Meaning Units
Assign codes to each meaning unit
Meaning Unit: "Support from colleagues is motivating."
Code: "Colleague Support"
4 Group Codes and Condense Content
Group similar codes together.
Code
Code Group: "Sources of Motivation"
Codes: "Colleague Support", "Management Recognition", "Personal Achievement"
Condense the meaning units in each group into brief summaries
Code
Condensed Content: "Colleagues provide emotional and practical support which enhances motivation."
5 Develop Sub-themes
Formulate sub-themes from the condensed content
Code
Sub-theme: "Interpersonal Support"
6 Synthesize Main Themes
Synthesize sub-themes into main themes
Code
Main Theme: "Factors Influencing Employee Motivation"
Sub-themes: "Interpersonal Support", "Recognition and Reward", "Personal Fulfillment"
7 Write Up
Write a narrative for each main theme, incorporating sub-themes and direct quotes.
Code
Theme: Factors Influencing Employee Motivation
One significant factor influencing employee motivation is interpersonal support. As one interviewee noted, "I find the support from colleagues very motivating." This highlights the emotional and practical assistance colleagues provide, fostering a supportive work environment.
Theme: Factors Influencing Employee Motivation
One significant factor influencing employee motivation is interpersonal support. As one interviewee noted, "I find the support from colleagues very motivating." This highlights the emotional and practical assistance colleagues provide, fostering a supportive work environment.
Key Considerations
- Context Preservation: Ensure that the condensed content retains the context and meaning of the original data.
- Iterative Process: Be prepared to revisit and revise codes, sub-themes, and themes as your understanding deepens.
- Validity and Reliability: Consider using multiple coders or discussing your findings with peers to enhance the validity and reliability of your analysis.
By following these steps, you can systematically condense and analyze qualitative text data, leading to meaningful and robust findings.
To Give reference
Singha, R. (2024). How to Perform systematic text condensation (STC)? Retrieved From https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_to_Perform_systematic_text_condensation_STC?_init=1