WHY DO WE ANALYZE DATA

The purpose of analysing data is to obtain usable and useful information. The analysis, irrespective of whether the data is qualitative or quantitative, may: • describe and summarise the data • identify relationships between variables • compare variables • identify the difference between variables • forecast outcomes When using a quantitative methodology, you are normally testing theory through the testing of a hypothesis. In qualitative research, you are either exploring the application of a theory or model in a different context or are hoping for a theory or a model to emerge from the data. In other words, although you may have some ideas about your topic, you are also looking for ideas, concepts and attitudes often from experts or practitioners in the field. Presenting the findings • Only make claims that your data can support • The best way to present your findings depends on the audience, the purpose, and the data gathering and analysis undertaken • Graphical representations (as discussed above) may be appropriate for presentation • Other techniques are: – Rigorous notations, e.g. UML – Using stories, e.g. to create scenarios – Summarizing the findings