Table 3 Example of deductive codes and operational definitions

Comments opposing the article overall

The overall tone of the comment suggests general disagreement with the advisor–may not be specific

‘Clearly this man has no idea what he is talking about. There is no evidence whatsoever. Quite frankly he is full of crisp…’

Comments supporting the article overall

The overall tone of the comment suggests general agreement with the advisor–may not be specific.

‘The first few pages are not drivel [referring to the original thesis]. They discuss the importance and difficulty of managing complex organisations, and the idea of Odyssean education is interesting, at the very least.’

Comments opposing advisor’s comments on genetics

Makes direct reference to the genetic content of the article and expresses a disagreement towards it.

‘The idea that genetics plays a role in intelligence, is a dangerous ideology that can be used to afford false weight to elitist class discrimination, and ideas of superiority of certain genetically related groups…’

Comments opposing a comment that promotes advisor’s genetics view

Thread–one commenter disagrees with another commenter who has displayed support for the advisor’s views on genetics.

“’Genetics plays a role in intelligence”–‘’An inconvenient truth for Guardian readers”. Why? I don’t see this at all. The ‘left’ want fair chances for all–dim or geniuses…’

User makes criticism of government in general

Shows a general disagreement towards the Coalition government beyond the advisor’s reported opinions.

‘They’re heading towards an extremely dark place at an incredible pace and they’re dragging this country along for the ride.’

User makes a comments that makes any reference to Nazi Germany.

Makes any reference, positive or negative, that is related to the Nazi genetics movement.

Genetics doesn’t play a Role, it’s a myth that Black athletes are better at some sports than Whites, we’re all EXACTLY equal, unt any von who diasagrees vis me ist eine racist and should be put in ze koncentrstion camp unt re educated.’