The use of a pre-defined coding template in constructivist simulation-based research

Introduction: Many constructivist methodologies and methods used in
simulation-based research (SBR) involve coding of text, otherwise known as
thematic analysis. This debate concerns whether, when thematically analysing
textual data in SBR, codes should be pre-defined or derived from the data.

Pro arguments: Arguments in favour of using pre-defined codes included the
grounding of a study within existing literature, building on that literature and
explicitly defining the researchers’ initial knowledge and understanding. Failure
to pre-define the codes may result in producing a brick to throw on the pile of
SBR instead of constructively adding to existing knowledge.

Contra arguments: Arguments against the use of pre-defined codes included the
risk of pre-forming conclusions at an early stage, and the potential to confine
analysis, thus stifling the creation of new knowledge. SBR using pre-defined
codes may create an ‘echo-chamber’ for pre-existing ideas and may result in
‘seeing only what we want to see’.

Conclusions: Factors that may determine whether to pre-define codes include
the desire for transferability of results to other contexts, and uniqueness of
the topic. Researchers should be aware of the arguments in favour of each of
the conflicting approaches, and make explicit their reasons for choosing one
approach over another.