Analyze Data

After you have collected your data, you will put all of the information together and find out what it tells you. Checkoway and Richards-Schuster refer to analysis as “Making Sense” (Participatory Evaluation with Young People, p. 37) . Analysis is when you look at all of your information to make sense of what it means, what it tells you about your evaluation topic and questions, and what you should do with your information.

Different types of information require different types of analysis. This section will review the basics of how you can analyze quantitative and qualitative data, but you should work with your Evaluation Coach to learn more about the best way to approach analysis for your project. Keep in mind that most evaluations are mixed methods, meaning they use both quantitative and qualitative data. An example is a survey that includes both closed and open-ended questions.

During analysis, remember to be creative! While you must be objective and make sure to pay attention to the information or facts you have gathered, analysis allows you to interpret this information so that it makes sense for you and your school community. You are able to use your creative interpretive skills to create a story that will help you understand the environment and make positive changes in your community.

What is quantitative analysis?

Quantitative data is data that comes in the form of numbers, and it is typically summarized by using mathematical methods such as counts, percentages, and comparisons.

Data collection methods that use quantitative analysis: Surveys, Human Likert Scale, Sticker Voting

• Quantitative Analysis Guidance

• Graph Templates

What is qualitative analysis?

Qualitative analysis is more of an art than a science. Qualitative analysis consists of reading or listening through data, identifying themes, and bringing those themes together to tell a story. A theme is a common topic or words used by people participating in data collection when answering questions. Themes can be identified within and across specific questions. Many qualitative researchers often have their recordings transcribed, which is a document that captures the conversation word for word. This is very time consuming and not required for analysis.

Data collection methods that use qualitative analysis: Focus groups, Interviews, Graffiti wall, Open-Ended survey questions

• Qualitative Analysis Guidance