Step 2: Identify common themes The findings from your document review have been recorded in the document review template (Tool 7). Review these findings to identify your themes either manually or by using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). Highlighters, notes in the margins and sticky notes can be used for marking data documents. Fig 27 gives an example of how themes can be developed from the findings using an online highlighter. While this can be done by individual members of the Gender Audit team, it is best to workshop as a group. Some tips for creating themes from qualitative data: • Use several people to identify the themes and compare your thinking for a more accurate interpretation • Invite those who provided the data to participate in analysis by reflecting on it and generating their own themes, patterns and relationships. Some data collection methods have participant analysis as part of the process (co-design, deliberative dialogue and community forums) • Triangulate the themes by comparing the findings with other data collection methods on the same issue, including secondary sources, and by reflecting on similarities and differences • Check for alternative explanations by reflecting on how the conclusion was made and whether alternative explanations can be ruled out • Search for missing information by reflecting on which aspects of the issue were not mentioned by participants that you may have expected (More information about analysing quantitative data can be found in Section 3.3 below) Step 3: Make conclusions Once you have identified your themes, it’s time to discuss what they mean and develop your conclusions. Review your conclusions with others in the audit team in case something has been missed. It is important not to generalise conclusions that come from qualitative data. While all information is important to review, it may not be correct for, or relate to, all situations. When making conclusions from qualitative data, include where the data is from and any other information about its context that may be useful. 72