data analysis questions
breezy
analysisstartwithquestions-2.pptxAnalysis: Start With Questions
Darrell Bowman, Ph.D.
Start With Questions
What are the goals of your analysis?
List your goals
Are there multiple dimensions to your questions?
Based on your goals and the data will there be sets of questions?
Start With Questions
Review the data
Qualitative vs Quantitative
Questions are related to the goals
Questions are related to the data
Start With Questions
Review the data
Understand the meaning of the data fields
Are there limitations or constraints in your analysis?
Sample:
What fields help answer my questions?
Can fields be combined to present a clearer picture?
Start With Questions
Analyzing:
Sort
Combine (you must create at least 1 new statistic for the final project assignment)
The new stat must have a purpose.
You must justify the new stat
Start With Questions
COMMON ANALYSIS MEASURES
Count (frequencies)
Percentage
Mean
Mode
Median
Range
Standard deviation
Variance
Ranking
Start With Questions
Quantitative Data is
Presented in a numerical format
Collected in a standardized manner
e.g. surveys, closed-ended interviews, tests
Analyzed using statistical techniques
Start With Questions
DIG DEEPER
Did different groups show different results?
Were there findings that surprised you?
Are there things you don’t understand very well – further study needed?
Keep versions of your analysis files.
Start With Questions
Qualitative data is thick in detail and description.
Data often in a narrative format
Data often collected by observation, open-ended interviewing, document review
Analysis often emphasizes understanding phenomena as they exist, not following pre-determined hypotheses
Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Data
Start With Questions
Content analysis” steps:
Transcribe data (if audio taped)
Read transcripts
Highlight quotes and note why important
Code quotes according to margin notes
Sort quotes into coded groups (themes)
Interpret patterns in quotes
Describe these patterns
Analyzing qualitative data
Start With Questions
Questions Assignment:
Cover Page (title of project, title of assignment, date, name or name)
Goals (new page)
Narrative (if needed)
Questions (new page, organized by category, position, etc.)
