Make a back up copy of all the qualitative data. Photo copy printed notes, questionnaires or surveys. Save a back up copy of all computerized data on an external source. You need a copy of all the data in case the original is lost or damaged.
Make at least one working copy of all the qualitative data. You need a working copy because the qualitative data is compiled by writing on, or even cutting up the data.
Choose either a computer or hand coding method for compiling your data. Computer software programs are available for compiling qualitative data. One hand-coding method uses different colored markers to note different themes in the margins of the working copy. Another method uses different colored index cards to represent themes, and you make notes of the comments that fall into those themes on the cards. A third method involves cutting up the working copy into the sections that deal with particular themes and putting them into theme piles.
Read through all of the data, making notes about general categories or themes arising from the data. This initial reading is called open coding.
Read through all of the data a second time, focusing on the themes identified in the first reading. This step allows you to make connections and to elaborate on themes. This second reading is called axial coding.
Read through all of the data for a third time, looking selectively for examples that illustrate the themes you identified in the first and second readings. This third reading is called selective coding.
Summarize your qualitative data. There are two basic methods for summarizing your data. The first is called the summary narrative method. Here, you present your key findings in a written format with some examples. The matrix/table shell method is a visual method of summarizing your data using graphics and charts.