Key points at a glance
- Seek cases that challenge a pattern.
- Test categories against original data.
- Report the exception and its significance.
Treat disagreement as a test
When most interviews suggest one pattern, a divergent case is not automatically a coding error. Look for cases that weaken a provisional explanation. They can show where a category is too broad or a relevant condition was missed.
Investigate the difference
Example: Nine students say daily reminders help; one experiences them as pressure. Examine study stage, task and context instead of discarding the response as an “outlier”. Perhaps the category applies only in certain situations.
Revise the explanation
Return to original passages and document codebook changes. A bounded claim such as “when deadlines are self-chosen” may fit better than a universal claim. Do not invent conditions the material does not support.
Show the case in your results
Present the pattern and the contrary case with an anonymised excerpt, explaining what it changes. One case need not invalidate every interpretation, but it limits its scope. Protect identifying details in rare cases.
Final submission context
Formal details can feel like a separate writing task, but they matter just as much for a printed submission. Anything missing, misplaced or inconsistently formatted in the document will also appear in the bound copy.
Use this guide together with your cover page, table of contents, page numbers, source notes and appendices. Prepare the final PDF for printing and binding only after the complete file has been checked.
Practical check before PDF export
- Do headings, chapter structure and page numbers match?
- Are sources, figures and tables included completely?
- Are required elements such as declarations, appendices or the cover page included where required?
- Did you open and check the final PDF after exporting it?
Checklist
- Contrary cases sought.
- Passages revisited.
- Category refined or defended.
- Exception reported.
Common mistakes
- Excluding an inconvenient case without reason.
- Turning one case into a universal rule.
- Exposing a rare participant through details.
Prepare the finished thesis for submission
Once the content and university requirements are checked, review your PDF and the available printing and binding options.
Review printing optionsRelated content
Explore related guidance on thesis structure, sources, formatting and final submission.
Frequently asked questions
Must I report every exception?
Focus on cases that test or bound a central interpretation.
Does a negative case ruin my findings?
Not necessarily; it may reveal conditions and limits.
How do I log changes?
Version the codebook and explain each change with supporting passages.