[Classification, a suitable method for nursing research--practical advice for data collection and data analysis]

Arranging subjective data in rank order is a simple method for making comparisons of judgements and evaluating them. Since it is difficult to find practical instructions for this which can be easily understood, this paper uses data obtained in a study of patients' opinions about their privacy. Results are analysed, presented and explained. The method is appropriate for a wide range of research in which individuals are asked for opinions.