Data preparation, analyses,

and interpretation
Admirim Aliti

Data Analyses Steps

(1) Preparing the data

for analysis
(2) Analyzing the data

(3) Interpreting the

data
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DATA PREPARATION
Data - the fruit of researchers labor
Data allow researcher
describe phenomena,
predict events,
identify differences between conditions
establish the effectiveness of interventions
Plan how the data will be logged, entered,

transformed (as necessary), and organized into a

database

Logging and Tracking Data

Research data comes from:

personal records,
participant interviews,
observations, laboratory
reports, and pretest and
posttest measures.
Use of Database
Recruitment log about

all individuals approached

Data Screening
Following data collection, but prior to data entry
Simplify data screening - computerized assessment

instruments
Data Screening Goals:
responses are legible and understandable
responses are within an acceptable range
responses are complete
all of the necessary information has been included

Database & Data Codebook

Structure of the database - how

the data will be analyzed

Which variables need to be entered,

how they should be ordered, and

how they should be formatted
Data codebook - written or

computerized list that provides a

clear and comprehensive
description of the variables that will
be included in the database

Data Entry
Ensuring the accuracy of data
Double-entry procedure - data are entered into the

database twice, determine discrepancies.

Alternative: review of the inputted data for out-of-

range values, missing data, and incorrect formatting

Transforming Data
Transformations before the data can be analyzed
Typical transformations:
Identifying and coding missing values
Reversing scale items case of response set
Recoding and categorization

DATA ANALYSIS
Data - hold the clues necessary to answer the

researchers questions
Statistical procedures exist that allow researchers to:
describe groups of individuals and events
examine the relationships between variables
measure differences between groups and conditions

Main statistical procedures

Descriptive statistics
describe the data and examine relationships between
variables
Inferential statistics
examine causal relationships
go beyond the parameters of the study sample and draw
conclusions about the population

INTERPRETING DATA
Statistical power
Reliable and Valid Measurement Instruments
Statistical Significance vs. Clinical Significance
Alternative explanations?
Correlation vs. Causation
Importance of nonsignificance

Interpreting Results - Creswell

Hypotheses or questions were supported or refuted?

Treatmend made a difference for participants?

Suggest why/why not results were significant
Whether results occurred because of inadequate

experimental procedures
Results can be generalized?
Implications for the population or future research

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