Structured Field Coding and Its Application to National Assessments

Abstract

This working paper introduces ‘structured field coding’ (SFC) as an approach to coding observations based on multiple methods, quantitative as well as qualitative. This approach differs from open field coding in providing a structure for coding observations from the field based on established frameworks for assessment. The method is explained along with a discussion of the origin and the advantages and limitations of this approach. It can be used in a variety of studies but is presented here as a means to integrate data for cross-national comparative analyses. Its potential application to the integration of national cybersecurity capacity and cyber risk assessments are presented as one of many potential applications of this approach.

Keywords: coding, field, structured, methods, cyber, security, risk, assessment