Perform data reduction. Even with survey results, qualitative research often amasses a large amount of raw data, which must be sifted through and organized. This process involves selecting, focusing, simplifying and transforming the data. Survey data, as opposed to transcripts from interviews or processing groups, is already organized to some extent. This process should include keeping notes about important parts of the data that sticks out to you, and physically sorting, coding or highlighting the data into initial categories.
Group the data into meaningful patterns and themes. Consider these patterns in terms of the larger questions of your study, and whether or not the data support or refute these questions. If not, why not?
Based on what you see in the data you may process it using content analysis, which includes coding the data for certain words or content, identifying their patterns and interpreting meaning. Or it may include a more thematic analysis, with data grouped into themes to try to answer research questions.
Create a data display. Data display is the process of putting data into a visual format. You may choose to create a chart, matrix, diagram, graph or table. This display should help you to arrange the data in new ways and help to analyze and identify emerging patterns and meanings in the content.
Draw conclusions about the data. This involves taking a step back, interpreting the data, and considering what the data mean and what their implications may be with in terms of your original research questions.
Verify your analysis. Verification involves revisiting the data to verify the conclusions you've made. This may involve looking over the data multiple times.