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ANALYZING AND INTERPRETING QUANTITATIVE DATA (Reporting the Results of…
ANALYZING AND INTERPRETING QUANTITATIVE DATA
Steps in the Process of Analyzing and Interpreting Quantitative Data
Prepare the data for analysis: Determining how to assign
numeric scores to the data, Assessing the types of scores to use, Selecting a statistical program, and Inputting the data into a program, and then Cleaning up the database for analysis
Begin the data analysis: provide descriptive analysis about central tendency and variations
Conduct more sophisticated inferential analysis to test hypothesis
Report the results using tables, figures, and a discussion of the key results
Interpret the result from the data analysis
The Process of Preparing the Data for Analysis
Select a statistical program: selecting a computer program to analyze the data
Input data: transferring the data from the responses on instruments into a computer file or program
Determine what type of scores to use for the instrument
Clean and account for missing data
Score the data: assign a numeric score or value to each response
Procedures in Analyzing the Data
Relate two or more variables (e.g., “Does self-esteem relate to an optimistic attitude?”). To answer this question, we also use inferential statistics
Test hypotheses about the differences in the groups or the relationships of variables
Compare two or more groups on the independent variable in terms of the dependent variable (e.g., “How do boys and girls compare in their self-esteem?”) to draw conclusions (inferential statistics)
Describe trends in the data to a single variable or question on your instrument (descriptive statistics)
Reporting the Results of Data Analysis: Test hypotheses about the differences in the groups or the relationships of variables
Figures (charts, pictures, drawings) that portray variables and their relationships
Detailed explanations about the statistical results
Tables: summarizes statistical informtaion
Include language typically used in reporting statistical results
Report whether the hypothesis test was significant or not
Provide important information about the statistical test, given the statistics
Interpreting the Results
Explain why the results occur: explain why the results turned out the way they did and discussing the existing literature and indicating how the results either confirmed or dis confirmed prior studies
Advance/state limitations: stating the potential weaknesses or problems with the study identified
by the researcher that may affect the results
Summarize the major results: general conclusions to each of the research questions or hypotheses which ends with statement of implications (suggestions for the importance of the study for different audiences)
Suggest future research: suggestions made by the researcher about additional studies that need to be conducted based on the results of the present research