How should I use and interpret Clouds?
Overview
Clouds are exploratory displays of code labels or terms in selected coded evidence. Size reflects the configured frequency measure. Use the controls for scope, code, metadata, exclusions, minimum length, shape and style. “Count words in” chooses between coded evidence only and all text, and “Word language” (Automatic, English, Turkish or Spanish) applies that language’s stop words and word-ending rules. Use a term to locate or provisionally autocode occurrences only after checking context. Find it under Analysis › Frequencies & Comparison › Clouds.
What to do
- Choose whether to count words in coded evidence only or in all text, and say which you used.
- Set the word language so stop words and word endings are handled correctly.
- Remove transcription artifacts and analytically unhelpful terms.
- Return to the passages in context before interpreting a prominent word.
When to use it
- To explore the words used inside coded evidence.
- To find words to search for in Evidence Queries.