In the digital age of automation and advanced technology, manual coding of verbatims, especially in the context of qualitative research, remains an indispensable practice. This method of systematically categorizing and analyzing textual or verbal data holds immense importance for researchers, offering a myriad of advantages that contribute to the depth and authenticity of research findings.

• Contextual understanding: Manual coding of verbatims fosters a profound understanding of the data. When researchers engage with the content directly, they immerse themselves in the context and intricacies of the information. This in-depth comprehension is essential for making nuanced interpretations and deriving meaningful insights.
• Thoughtful analysis: Manual coding encourages researchers to think critically and reflect on the data. It compels them to make thoughtful decisions regarding the categorization and interpretation of verbatims. This level of engagement is crucial for unearthing hidden patterns, themes, and connections that might be overlooked by automated or superficial approaches.
• Flexibility and customization: Manual coding allows for flexibility and customization. Researchers have the liberty to tailor their coding approach to the specific requirements and objectives of the research. It facilitates the creation of unique categories and codes that align precisely with the research focus, resulting in a more accurate and insightful analysis.
• Detailed quality control: Manual coding provides a high degree of quality control. Researchers have direct oversight of the coding process, ensuring that each verbatim is accurately categorized and interpreted. This minimizes the likelihood of errors or misinterpretations that can occur with automated or standardized coding methods.
• Deeper exploration: Manual coding supports a more profound exploration of the data. Researchers can dive into individual verbatims, affording them the opportunity to uncover rich, nuanced insights that automated tools might inadvertently neglect. This depth of exploration is invaluable for understanding complex phenomena.
• Debugging and troubleshooting: When researchers code verbatims manually, they develop robust debugging skills. This means they can identify and rectify errors, inconsistencies, or discrepancies in the data, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the findings. Automated tools may not provide the same level of insight into potential issues.
• Adherence to coding standards: Manual coding encourages researchers to adhere to established coding standards and best practices. This is particularly crucial in the context of qualitative research, where consistency and rigor are paramount. It ensures that the analysis is conducted in accordance with recognized principles, enhancing the validity of the research.
• Greater data transparency: Manual coding provides greater transparency in the research process. Other researchers or stakeholders can easily follow the coding decisions, making the research process more accessible for review and validation. This transparency enhances the credibility of the research findings.

Manual coding of verbatims plays a pivotal role in qualitative research by promoting a deep understanding of data, enabling thoughtful analysis, offering flexibility, and ensuring quality control. This approach allows for the exploration of intricate details, adherence to coding standards, and enhanced maintainability of research findings. While automation has its place in the digital age, the importance of manual coding in preserving the richness and depth of qualitative research should not be underestimated.