Chapter 17 - Data Management & Data Analysis Software

Quantitative Data Analysis Software

  • SPSS - statistical software package that simplifies data analysis and is frequently used in the behavioral sciences

  • allows you to input data, set conditions and apply commands to generate stats tests and analyses

  • SPSS does NOT tell you what tests to run to answer what questions - that is up to the researcher

4 Steps before SPSS

  • connect data to each individual participant

    • enter the exact info for each individual participant for each related variable

  • assign each participant a unique number

    • replace the participant’s name with a number and then create a separate log to keep track of who is connected ot which number

    • this is to protect participants ethically from research bias, provide some anonymity

  • create a codebook

    • a type of personal dictionary of research variables that helps with record keeping and inputting the data into a system like SPSS

    • collection of research variables - assists in translating data into variables

    • keeps track of names and labels assigned to all variables and values

    • should be created in a separate document unless fewer than 15 variables

  • name variables carefully

    • make them precise, descriptive, and computer friendly (numbers)

    • when defining:

      • name - should match what is assigned to variable in codebook

      • value - define value of variables so numbers can be assigned to different levels

      • decimals - set the decimal value for each variable

      • label - a tag for a reminder of the varaible

      • entering data - a single piece of info goes into each cell

Tips on Data Entry

  • enter data going across a row

  • use the og order and form of your data

  • wait on modifications to variables and use the SPSS program to make modifications after data entry

  • save your data

  • verify your data

  • complete missing data points

Modifying Variables

  • wait to make changes to variables until everything is entered

  • use recode option in SPSS

  • use compute option in SPSS

Descriptive Stats

  • categorical data

    • nominal or ordinal

  • scale data

    • interval or ratio

  • measures of central tendency: mean, median, mode

  • measures of variability: standard deviation, range, variance

  • SPSS offers a variety of functions including percentile values, measures of central tendency, dispersion, and distribution

Quantitative Data Analysis

  • CAQDAS - computer assisted qualitative data analysis software

    • identifying patterns

    • examining frequencies

    • verifying hypotheses

  • NVIVO

  • these help manage, organize, and code data and allows the researcher to break it down

  • these software options do not decide how to code the data; the researcher decides and then moves foward

Questions to Consider Before Qualitative Analysis

  • what patterns appear in my data?

  • what do the overall responses initially reveal?

  • did some cases stand out more than others?

  • how does this work?

  • what does it look like in this setting?

  • what are some conditions that accompany it?

Points to Consider Before Qualitative Analysis

  • decide your philosophical stance and/or theoretical perspective

  • determine the design and how to handle the emergent issue

  • attend to your research question

  • read and read again each document

Tips of Navigating Software

  • when in doubt, right-click option bars usually appear

  • keep memos for ideas that come to the surface or research notes on nonverbals

  • verify your work by revisiting the data multiple times

  • write descriptions of codes

  • utilize the code frequency tool even if you are not interested in numbers because it allows you to identify under utilized codes

Using CAQDAS in Research

  • code retrieval

  • code frequency

  • data displays and graphs

  • pitfalls

    • weighing the themes

    • neglecting to see what is not in the data

    • overlooking alternative explanations

    • failing to link themes, interpretations, and og data

Microsoft Excel

  • often used for quantitative stat analysis

  • similar steps to SPSS

  • helpful for qualitative data management