Authored by Inci Toral
DATA ANALYSIS
How are you going to analyse your data?
What analysis technique do you need to apply?
In social sciences, most UG, MSc or MBA programmes you would be required to use a statistical computation technique to analyse your data.
One of the most common tools to conduct these types of analyses is to use an appropriate software programme (check with your school for available programmes). You can find numerous resources on how to use these tools. Here, I will give you a few links to conduct these analyses using SPSS, an IBM owned statistical tool, used by most schools.
SPSS For Dummies by Arthur Griffith
SPSS TUTORIALS: DESCRIPTIVE STATS BY GROUP (COMPARE MEANS)
Do I need to use a procedure to analyse the qualitative data?
If you are using a qualitative data analysis technique, bear in mind that you still need to follow analysis procedures.
Because, using a qualitative technique means you will employ creativity and interpretation. To make your work rigorous, you should carefully apply data analysis and reporting techniques.
It would always be wise to get hold of a qualitative methods book to deepen your understanding abput the methods and techniques you wouls apply. Here are a few links to help you get started in the process.
Computer Assisted Qualitative Data AnalysiS (CAQDAS)
Analysing qualitative data and writing up your findings by Anne B. Ryan
A Step-By-Step Guide To Qualitative Data Analysis by Nancy Gibson