Data Analsis in Research, Bringing out the information you really need

Understanding Data Analysis for what it really is

What exactly is data analysis in research when you come to think of it? Who calls the shots in this area of research?Well simply put data analysis is about transforming data into information and information into insights according to one source. But you see, when it comes to data analysis you want to be able to tell a story out of your data analysis and be able to make decisions using simple approaches. Taking a simple approach such as in the case of data analysis can contribute to good assured results which really everybody really wants. You see dear researchers, data analysis is all about making life easy for your readers when they see all that data you have collected from whatever sources out there. When you collect data, figures or numerical values one of the first things you try to do is tabulate them. But human beings as we all know it dont want to spend too much time reading and figuring out what a long strain of figures means. It is much easier to understand such findings if they are well presented in tables or graphical format (especially this). Thats what data analysis tries to do, bring out the information from raw data.

Using the Smartest presentations of your Findings in Data Analysis

1. Tables; Imagine you are researching the poverty levels of a country, what do you collect, how do you do your data analysis? First things first the kind of information that could be relevant are the following namely income levels, gender, age , occupation, location e.t.c But you see when doing your data analysis you have understand exaclty why you are collecting this data. You may be the most experienced researcher in the whole world but you still need to get a few pointers on this one. Lets exactly undertsand why this information is important.

a) Income Levels; Income levels of your sample group is really the heart of all your research when it comes to poverty levels. But you see as a researcher, a proper analysis doesn't just mean stating the average income for all your participants. But it also means understanding who in sample have the highest and lowest incomes, how this income is earned, what this income can buy for a family e.t.c that's what a real data analysis should do. It should really tell a story.

b) Gender and Age; Gender and age is very, very important in research. Data analysis should inform the reader which gender earns more, which gender is more affected with poverty? ofcourse in most cases you will find that it is the women and for obvious reasons, most of the worlds resources don't reach women. Age is also important because you would like to know the age groups who are least affected and most affected. So, data analysis should bring out this information in a powerful way.

Now, once you have done your data analysis, you can begin to tabulate this information and tell a brief story about what all these means. A good way to tabulate your data analysis findings is by using means and ranges.

2. Graphs

Graphs are by far the best way to communicate your data analysis research findings. Whenever, people read your report what do you think they would like to see first....You answered correctly, they want to see graphs. Graphical representation in research is really a boost in making your report look attractive and interesting to read. It is also easy for a reader to remember a graphical representation than written texts. Data analysis at this stage will make you the best researcher in world...SERIOUSLY!! You can use a wide range of different graphs which indeed will make your research report a must read.

Data Analysis and You

You can always make data analysis so much interesting if it becomes a part of you when undertaking a research of any kind. It is true that data analysis can be really hectic, but don't worry about that sometimes to get the best you have to give the best. Make sure never to forget that!