Data Analysis Directions

Why should I analyze my data?

Analyzing your data communicates the trends and results of your experiment to others.
When you analyze your data you will look carefully to see if the MV had an impact on
the RV, and if the data collected supports or refutes the hypothesis.

How is the data analysis different from the conclusion?

The data analysis explains the data collected, measures of central tendency, variation that
exists, and observations from the experiment. The conclusion explains why the data
turned out the way it did, and also analyzes experimental and human error.

Where does this go in my lab report?

The data analysis, which can also be called the results section, goes after the procedure.
It includes the data tables, graphs, and a written report of the findings. It goes just before
the conclusion, which can also be called the discussion.

How do I analyze my data?

1. Enter the raw data into Excel. Remember to include a title and units. Label every
column and row. Be sure to save to your home computer and school account. Do
not rely on a flash drive as the only storage location.
2. Think about the type of data you have. Do you have qualitative or quantitative
data? Do you have continuous, discrete, ratio, or interval quantitative data? Do
you have nominal or ordinal qualitative data?

Write your type(s) of data here: ____________________________________________

3. Decide which measure of central tendency to use (mean, median, mode).

4. Decide which measure of variation to use (range, frequency distribution, standard
deviation). Remember that standard deviation is a more sophisticated way of
calculating uncertainty. Also remember WHY we need to examine variation (as
scientists, we can never obtain an exact value). Use this chart to help you decide.

Type of Data Central Tendency Variation

Quantitative Mean Range
Standard Deviation
Qualitative (ordinal) Median Frequency Distribution
Qualitative (nominal) Mode Frequency Distribution

1
 5. Using formulas in Excel, calculate the central tendency and variation. If you get
frustrated with Excel, use paper or a calculator.

To calculate values using formulas:

Every formula must be entered exactly as follows OR you can click Insert- Function
and choose from a list.

=AVERAGE(include the cells) ex: =AVERAGE(B2:B6)

=MODE(include the cells)
=MEDIAN(include the cells)
=STDEV(include the cells) (STDEV is standard deviation, the fancy uncertainty)

To find the range you have to find the MAX (highest number) and MIN (lowest
number) first.

=MAX(include the cells)

=MIN(include the cells)
=(click on the cell with the MAX value – click on the cell with the MIN value)
ex: =(B13-B14)

Once you have a formula correctly entered you can highlight the other cells you want
to copy that formula to and select Edit-Fill- and then down or right.

If you see a green triangle in the corner try adding a row (select Insert-Row) in
between any words and your numbers.

6. Next, paste the calculated measures of central tendency and variation for each
value of your MV in the tab you labeled “data analysis”. It will be easier to graph
if you arrange it that way.
7. Using your data analysis tab, highlight both columns, one is the values of your
MV and one is the central tendency of all the trials, and then select Insert-Chart.
Create a bar graph.

Example: The Effect of Type of Metal on the Rust Grown on a Nail

Type of Metal Average weight of rust in grams

Iron 0.0456
Copper 0.0023
Nickel 0.0017
Tin 0.0004

The most important information to graph is the averages for the values of your MV. You
want to see if the MV caused a change. Other graphs, such as growth over time, may be
useful to explain your data as well. Your MV must always be on the x-axis and the RV
on the y-axis (remember DRY MIX). Use the graphing checklist to help you.

2
From this graph you can clearly explain what happened in your experiment. Can you tell
which type of metal grew the most rust? I bet a science fair judge could tell as well.

8. Enter your variation data into your graph as error bars. To do this, create a bar
graph and then double-click on one of the bars.

Click on Y Error Bars

At the bottom, click on custom

and put the standard deviation
into the + and – boxes

Click okay

Repeat for each bar, which

represents each value of your
MV

Remember to save your graphs as Sheets and rename them so you can find them. Save often.

3
 Examine your results
carefully. Try explaining them
to a friend or a family
member. Explain what the
error bars mean. Remember
that standard deviation is like
uncertainty.
If the error bars overlap, the
data does not support or refute
the hypothesis because average
could fall anywhere within that
range of values. Ex: Copper,
Nickel, and Tin overlap so we
cannot determine which formed
the most rust.

9. Complete the graphing checklist. Have a friend or a parent complete it as well.

10. Create other graphs if you wish. Here are some common types of graphs and the
information they communicate.

Bar Graph- compare data in categories (example: compare the values of your MV), also
used to show data in non-standard scale
Histogram- good for a frequency distribution (qualitative data), the height of the bar
shows the frequency of a category
Line Graph- use for continuous data with a standard scale to show change in a variable
over time (good for plants, mold, bacteria, decomposition, or anything else measured
over more than one day)
Scatter Plot- used when two measurements are made for each element in a sample (ex:
height and grades of students), helps determine if two characteristics are correlated
Box-and-Whiskers Plot- displays a 5-point summary of the data (greatest and least
values, median, and first and third quartiles), used to show variation; this is good for
finding variation in qualitative data
Pie Chart (Circle Graph)- shows a relationship of parts to a whole (percentages)

11. When you are sure your data tables and graphs are error-free, take screen shots
(shift-apple-4) and paste the pictures into a word document.

12. Begin writing about your data- use the Data Analysis Rough Draft organizer to
help you plan.

Need Help? Use the wiki http://eighthgradescience.wikispaces.com

This information is compiled from a variety of sources including: Students and Research by Cothran, Giese, and Rezba, HCPSS
science office information available on the Document Repository, the Howard High School Science Fair Information Packet, and Ms.
McGolrick’s brain.