Introduction
Surveys often include open-ended questions to capture deeper insights. Unlike numerical data, these qualitative responses require special approaches to analyze effectively.
Why Qualitative Data Matters
While quantitative data tells you “what” is happening, qualitative responses explain “why.” They reveal emotions, experiences, and unique perspectives that numbers alone can’t capture.
Methods for Analyzing Qualitative Data
- Thematic Analysis: Identifying recurring themes or patterns in responses.
- Coding: Categorizing text into meaningful groups.
- Content Analysis: Measuring frequency of words or phrases.
We’ve written a step-by-step guide on how to analyse qualitative data from a questionnaire, including SPSS and Excel approaches.
Tools for Analysis
Excel can be used for simple coding, while SPSS, Python and R programming provide advanced capabilities. Our survey analysis services help researchers structure and interpret qualitative data effectively.
Conclusion
Qualitative data enriches survey findings, providing depth and context. With structured analysis, open-ended responses become a powerful complement to numerical results.

