How to categorize open-ended survey answers
Open-ended responses contain useful detail that a multiple-choice chart cannot capture. Categorizing them makes it easier to compare recurring needs while preserving unusual or unexpected answers.
Start with the right material.
- What you provide
- visible open-text survey responses and a category rubric.
- The intended result
- Code responses, preserve original text and mark ambiguous categories.
How the workflow works.
Start with the research question and define a category set. Apply the same definitions across responses, allowing an unmatched or multi-topic result where your chosen method requires it.
What to check in the result.
Review borderline examples and record how multi-topic answers are counted. Category totals can exceed the number of respondents when one answer receives several labels; explain that denominator clearly.
Import the CSV with a consistent delimiter and inspect text identifiers, dates and amounts before using spreadsheet totals. Keep the original file available while checking any automatic type conversion.
Learn from the worked example.
The downloadable CSV example uses these columns: Original response, Category, Reason. Compare a complete record with the source before sorting, combining or importing your own output.
The supplied example is illustrative. It is not a recorded run on your data.
Download the example ↓Use it with your own material.
- Open the source you want to work with and activate WebAct on that tab.
- Copy the task from the hero, add any required fields or preferences, and review the proposed actions.
- Compare the first result with your source. Ask for a specific correction or refinement where needed.