Dealing with data qualitative data The main report Chapter 11-13 Dealing with data qualitative data The main report

Objectives To recognize different types of data and understand the implications of data type for subsequent analyses. To create a data matrix and to code data for analysis by computer. to select the most appropriate tables and diagrams to explore and illustrate different aspects of your data.

Cont. To select the most appropriate statistics to describe individual variables To examine relationships between variables and trends in your data. To interpret the tables, diagrams and statistics that you use correctly

General process Preparing your data for analysis by computer Choosing the most appropriate tables and diagrams to explore and present your data Choosing the most appropriate statistics to describe your data Choosing the most appropriate statistics to examine relationships and trends in your data

Preparing data for analysis Type of data (level of numerical measurement) Format in which your data will be input to the analysis software Impact of data coding on subsequent analyses (for different data types) Need to weight cases Methods you intend to use to check data for errors

Data type Categorical data refer to data whose values cannot be measured numerically but can be either classified into sets (categories). Descriptive data Ranked data

Data type Quantifiable data are those whose values you actually measure numerically as quantities. • Continuous data • Discrete data

Data layout Virtually all analysis software will accept your data if they are entered in table format. This table is called a data matrix. A table must has a survey form identifier

Coding Coding quantifiable data Coding categorical data •Coding at data collection •Coding after data collection Coding missing data

Exploring and presenting data Exploring and presenting individual variables To show specific values To show highest and lowest values To show the trend To show proportions To show the distribution of values

Comparing variables To show specific values and interdependence To compare highest and lowest values To compare proportions To compare trends and conjunctions To compare totals To compare proportions and totals To compare the distribution of values To show the relationship between cases for variables

Describe data using statistics Describing the central tendency To represent the value that occurs most frequently To represent the middle value To include all data values

Describe data using statistics Describing the dispersion To state the difference between values To describe and compare the extent by which values differ from the mean

Examining relationships, differences and the trends Testing for significant relationships and differences Type I and Type II errors To test whether two variables are associated To test whether two groups are different •Categorical data •Quantifiable data To test whether three or more groups are different

Cont. Assessing the strength of relationship To assess the strength of relationship between pairs of variables To assess the strength of a cause-and-effect relationship between variables To predict the value of a variable from one or more other variables

Cont. Examining trends To compare trends To determine the trend and forecasting

An overview of qualitative analysis Chapter 12 An overview of qualitative analysis Understanding the characteristics of language Discovering regularities Comprehending the meaning of text or action Reflection

An overview of qualitative analysis Categorisation “Unitising” data Recognizing relationships and developing categories Developing and testing hypotheses The interactive nature of the process Analytical aids 􀂾Summaries 􀂾Self-memos 􀂾Researcher’s diary

Strategies for qualitative analysis Using a theoretical or descriptive framework Exploring without a predetermined theoretical or descriptive framework

Deductive based analytical strategies and procedures Pattern matching Explanation building Impact of a deductive approach on the analysis process

Chapter 13 The main report