Introduction to research Introduction to research 1703423-21703423-2

Analyzing and interpreting Analyzing and interpreting research dataresearch data

Dr Naiema Gaber

Analyzing and interpreting research dataAnalyzing and interpreting research dataThe learning objectivesThe learning objectives

After this lecture the student will be able to:• Define data analysis procedures

• Describe how to prepare and organize the data for analysis

• Explain the coding process of the data

• Differentiate the types of Statistics

• Determine ways of representing and reporting the findings

• Discuss how to interpret the findings

• Identify methods of validating the accuracy and credibility of the findings

• Describe how to draw conclusions

DATA ANALYSIS PROCEDURESDATA ANALYSIS PROCEDURES

Data analysis is an eclectic process. Occurs simultaneously with data collection, data interpretation and report writing.

Is based on the on data reduction and interpretation

It can be manual or computerized

Preparing data for analysisPreparing data for analysis

tabulatingtabulating: organizing the data in a systematic manner

codingcoding: assigning numerals (e.g., ID) to data

scoringscoring: assigning a total to each participant’s instrument

Educational Research 2e: Creswell

How do You Prepare and How do You Prepare and Organize the Data?Organize the Data?

• Develop a matrix to organize the material

• Organize material by type

• Keep duplicate copies of materials

• Transcribe (copy out) data

• Prepare data for hand or computer analysis (and select computer program)

Educational Research 2e: Creswell

How do you Explore and Code How do you Explore and Code the Data?the Data?

• Obtain a general sense of the data by performing a preliminary exploratory analysis

• Memo ideas

• Consider whether more data are needed

• Coding the data

Educational Research 2e: Creswell

Steps in CodingSteps in Coding

• Read through all transcripts• Start with one transcript• Identify text segments – ask “what is this person

saying?”• Bracket text segment• Assign code word• Reduce redundancy (unemployment data)• Collapse codes into themes

Educational Research 2e: Creswell

A Visual Model of the Coding Process in A Visual Model of the Coding Process in Qualitative ResearchQualitative Research

Reduce Codes to5-7 Themes

Initially readthrough data

Divide text into segments

of information

Label segments of informationwith codes

Reduce Overlap andredundancyof codes

Collapsecodes intothemes

ManyPages of Text

ManySegments of Text

30-40codes Codes

reducedto 20

Educational Research 2e: Creswell

How do You Use Codes to Build How do You Use Codes to Build Description?Description?

• Describe– People– Events– Activities– Processes

O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 11.10

Managing DataManaging Data

Regardless of data type, managing data involves– familiarizing yourself with appropriate software– developing a data management system– systematically organizing and screening data– entering the data into a program– ‘cleaning’ your data– do right statistics (descriptive or Inferential)

O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 11.11

StatisticsStatistics

It’s important for researchers to be familiar with the language and logic of statistics, and be competent in the use of statistical software.

O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 11.12

Descriptive StatisticsDescriptive Statistics

• Descriptive statistics are used to summarize the basic feature of a data set through– measures of central tendency (mean, mode,

and median)– dispersion (range, quartiles, variance, and standard deviation)– distribution (skewness and kurtosis)

O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 11.13

Inferential StatisticsInferential Statistics

• Inferential statistics allow researchers to assess their ability to draw conclusions that extent beyond the immediate data, e.g. – if a sample represents the population

– if there are differences between two or more groups

– if there are changes over time

– if there is a relationship between two or more variables

O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 11.14

Selecting Statistical Tests Selecting Statistical Tests

Selecting the right statistical test relies on

– knowing the nature of your variables

– their scale of measurement

– their distribution shape

– types of question you want to ask

How to present dataHow to present data• Graphs (frequency polygon, pie chart, boxplot, stem-and-

leaf chart)• Measures of central tendency (modem, median, mean• Measures of variability (range, quartile deviation, variance,

standard deviation)• Measures of relative position (percentile ranks, standard

scores)• Measures of relationship (Spearman Rho, Pearson r

Educational Research 2e: Creswell

How do You Represent How do You Represent Findings?Findings?

• Comparison table• Descriptive table• Hierarchical tree• Figures/diagrams• Drawings

Educational Research 2e: Creswell

How do You Interpret Findings?How do You Interpret Findings?• Interpretation is not neutral

• Reflect about the personal meaning of the data

• Compare and contrast personal viewpoints with the literature

• Address limitations of the study

• Make suggestions for future research

Educational Research 2e: Creswell

How do You Validate the How do You Validate the Accuracy of Your Findings?Accuracy of Your Findings?

• Member checking: Members check the accuracy of the account

• Triangulation: Using corroborate evidence

• External: Hiring the services of an individual outside the study to review the study

O'Leary, Z. (2005) RESEARCHING REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS: A Guide to Methods of Inquiry. London: Sage. Chapter 11.19

Drawing ConclusionsDrawing Conclusions

• Your findings and conclusions need to flow from analysis and show clear relevance to your overall project

• Findings should be considered in light of– significance– current research literature – limitations of the study – your questions, aims, objectives, and theory

Summary of the lectureSummary of the lecture• steps of data analysis include:

– Preparing data for analysis by scoring, tabulating and coding.

– Managing Data, by choosing the appropriate software, developing a data management system, systematically organizing and screening data, entering the data into a program and the Selecting right statistical test

– Interpret Findings

– Validate the accuracy of findings

– Draw Conclusions

– present data

Feedback questionsFeedback questionsPut T if the statement is true and F if it is false

1- The analysis of the data is as important as any other component of the research process T F

2-Data analysis is an eclectic process based on the on data reduction and interpretation

3- The first step in data analysis is to describe, or summarize, the data using descriptive statistics

4- To test a hypothesis adequately, more than descriptive statistics are normally needed

5- Tabulating: organizing the data in a systematic manner

THANK YOUTHANK YOU