data analysis and interpretation in research

Research Methods

Getting Started
What is Research Design?
Research Approach
Research Methodology
Data Collection
Data Analysis & Interpretation
Population & Sampling
Theories, Theoretical Perspective & Theoretical Framework
Useful Resources

Further Resources

Data Analysis & Interpretation

Quantitative Data

Qualitative Data

Mixed Methods

You will need to tidy, analyse and interpret the data you collected to give meaning to it, and to answer your research question. Your choice of methodology points the way to the most suitable method of analysing your data.

data analysis and interpretation in research

If the data is numeric you can use a software package such as SPSS, Excel Spreadsheet or “R” to do statistical analysis. You can identify things like mean, median and average or identify a causal or correlational relationship between variables.

The University of Connecticut has useful information on statistical analysis.

If your research set out to test a hypothesis your research will either support or refute it, and you will need to explain why this is the case. You should also highlight and discuss any issues or actions that may have impacted on your results, either positively or negatively. To fully contribute to the body of knowledge in your area be sure to discuss and interpret your results within the context of your research and the existing literature on the topic.

Data analysis for a qualitative study can be complex because of the variety of types of data that can be collected. Qualitative researchers aren’t attempting to measure observable characteristics, they are often attempting to capture an individual’s interpretation of a phenomena or situation in a particular context or setting. This data could be captured in text from an interview or focus group, a movie, images, or documents. Analysis of this type of data is usually done by analysing each artefact according to a predefined and outlined criteria for analysis and then by using a coding system. The code can be developed by the researcher before analysis or the researcher may develop a code from the research data. This can be done by hand or by using thematic analysis software such as NVivo.

Interpretation of qualitative data can be presented as a narrative. The themes identified from the research can be organised and integrated with themes in the existing literature to give further weight and meaning to the research. The interpretation should also state if the aims and objectives of the research were met. Any shortcomings with research or areas for further research should also be discussed (Creswell,2009)*.

For further information on analysing and presenting qualitative date, read this article in Nature .

Mixed Methods Data

Data analysis for mixed methods involves aspects of both quantitative and qualitative methods. However, the sequencing of data collection and analysis is important in terms of the mixed method approach that you are taking. For example, you could be using a convergent, sequential or transformative model which directly impacts how you use different data to inform, support or direct the course of your study.

The intention in using mixed methods is to produce a synthesis of both quantitative and qualitative information to give a detailed picture of a phenomena in a particular context or setting. To fully understand how best to produce this synthesis it might be worth looking at why researchers choose this method. Bergin**(2018) states that researchers choose mixed methods because it allows them to triangulate, illuminate or discover a more diverse set of findings. Therefore, when it comes to interpretation you will need to return to the purpose of your research and discuss and interpret your data in that context. As with quantitative and qualitative methods, interpretation of data should be discussed within the context of the existing literature.

Bergin’s book is available in the Library to borrow. Bolton LTT collection 519.5 BER

Creswell’s book is available in the Library to borrow. Bolton LTT collection 300.72 CRE

For more information on data analysis look at Sage Research Methods database on the library website.

*Creswell, John W.(2009) Research design: qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage, Los Angeles, pp 183

**Bergin, T (2018), Data analysis: quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods. Sage, Los Angeles, pp182

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Data Analysis and Interpretation

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(2017). Data Analysis and Interpretation. Project Planner . 10.4135/9781526408570.

. "Data Analysis and Interpretation". Project Planner , 2017. 10.4135/9781526408570.

. 2017. 'Data Analysis and Interpretation', Project Planner [online]., [Accessed 25 October 2024], doi: 10.4135/9781526408570.

. "Data Analysis and Interpretation". Project Planner , 2017. SAGE Research Methods. 10.4135/9781526408570. 25 Oct. 2024

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Philosophy of Research
Defining a Topic
Reviewing the Literature
Developing a Researchable Question
Research Design
Planning and Practicalities
Research Ethics
Data Collection
Dissemination

Introduction

Publication year: 2017
DOI: https:// doi. org/10.4135/9781526408570
Online ISBN: 9781526408570 More information Less information

(2017). Introduction. Project Planner . 10.4135/9781526408570.

. "Introduction". Project Planner , 2017. 10.4135/9781526408570.

. 2017. 'Introduction', Project Planner [online]., [Accessed 25 October 2024], doi: 10.4135/9781526408570.

. "Introduction". Project Planner , 2017. SAGE Research Methods. 10.4135/9781526408570. 25 Oct. 2024

This stage will:

Explain different types of qualitative data analysis
Explain different types of quantitative data analysis
Help you to interpret the results of your data analysis

Once you have decided on your method of data collection and have gathered all of the data you need, you need to decide how to analyze and interpret your data.

This can be done in a variety of ways, and will depend on whether you used qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods of data collection.

How Do I Analyze and Interpret Qualitative Data?

What qualitative analysis technique(s) should i use, what is narrative analysis, what is discourse analysis, what is conversation analysis, what is grounded theory, what is framework analysis, what is visual analysis, what is phenomenological analysis, what is content analysis, what is thematic analysis, which qualitative data analysis software is right for me, how do i analyze and interpret mixed-methods data, how do i analyze and interpret quantitative data, how do i identify variation and difference, how do i identify the power of a statistical test, how do i test for significance, how do i identify key factors, how can i use descriptive statistics, how do i identify clusters, how do i estimate likelihood, what are model processes, how do i create simulations, how do i identify change, how do i identify networks, how do i make comparisons, how do i test for causality, how do i identify association between variables, what is regression analysis, what are the different levels of measurement, how can i interpret my data, how can i eyeball statistical data, what are my conclusions do they respond to my research questions, checklist: essential first steps for analysis, checklist: what software should i use.

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