What should I write in a code definition, inclusion guidance, and exclusion guidance?
Overview
The definition states the analytical meaning of the code. Inclusion guidance identifies the kinds of evidence that qualify. Exclusion guidance identifies similar material that should not receive the code and may point to a neighboring code. Together these fields support consistent manual coding, clearer collaboration, better AI code matching, and a defensible audit trail.
What to do
- Define the concept rather than merely repeating its label.
- Add positive and boundary examples observed during pilot coding.
- Revise guidance when disagreements or ambiguous cases reveal an unclear boundary.