Week 1 : How to Analyse Data

Working with our data

The data or information we initially collect is often in a bulky format (spreadsheets of numerical data, transcripts of interviews, or descriptions of artefacts) which need to be summarised, interpreted and analysed before you can draw conclusions.

The best way is to summarise information to identify patterns. Summarising will help us to compare information in a standardised format so that you (or your reader) does not have to sort through a lot of information to make comparisons. For example:

§  When interpreting interview data you can prepare tables listing frequently-raised issues of interviewees under categories such as age or gender.

§  Numerical data can usually be summarised mathematically, as means (averages), medians, modes or frequencies.

Once information is summarised, you will find it easier to identify patterns and interpret meanings. Sometimes this can be a simple descriptive process if patterns or meaning are obvious.

Quantitative information

Numerical or quantitative information is obtained from research methods such as surveys of populations or from repeated experimental procedures. When recording the data it is important to include detailed information (eg dates and place of collection, methods of measurement, units of measurement) to minimise confusion. Numerical data are usually recorded on printed datasheets, then stored in spreadsheet format.

In some cases, data may initially be recorded by handheld computers or specialised data recorders which can later be downloaded to more secure devices. Data recorders can often be set up to record data remotely, without the requirement that researchers be present. Such techniques are frequently used in meteorological research or in situations where it would be too hazardous for a researcher to be present (eg industrial chemistry applications, space research).

Qualitative information

Qualitative (non-numerical) information may be recorded during interviews with human participants, often on video or audiotape, possibly with supporting notes, and may be transcribed into written form later. Other qualitative information describing and interpreting texts or artefacts may also be recorded in written form and stored on index cards or as Word files. This material may be coded for themes using software programs (eg Nvivo) that search for keywords or strings, or it may be done manually. The transcripts may also be treated as texts for analysis.

Visual information may be recorded as photographic plates, slides, computerised files or hand-drawn diagrams.

http://www.endvawnow.org/en/articles/322-conducting-research-data-collection-and-analysis-.html

http://w3.unisa.edu.au/researchstudents/milestones/data.asp#working