Analyzing and

Interpreting the Data

All meanings depend on the key of
interpretation.
-George Eliot
Analysis and Interpretation
ANALYSIS
close examination: the examination of something
in detail in order to understand it better or draw
conclusions from it
assessment: description or explanation of data,
which should be based on careful consideration or
investigation

INTERPRETATION
establishment of meaning: an explanation of the
significance of research data gathered
Effective Data Analysis
Data ANALYSIS and INTERPRETATION is the
process of:
assigning meaning to the collected
information, as well as
determining the conclusions, significance,
and implications of the findings.

REMEMBER:
The steps involved in data analysis are a
function of the type of information collected.
However, returning to the purpose of the
assessment and the assessment questions
will provide a structure for the organization of
the data and a focus for the analysis.
The Body of your Paper
should be composed of the
following:
1. verbal meaning of the numerical or
raw data,
2. analysis, and
3. interpretation
Effective Data Analysis
Effective data analysis involves:
keeping your eye on the main
research goal,
managing the data you gathered,
engaging in the actual process of
quantitative &/or qualitative analysis,
presenting your data, and
drawing meaningful & logical
conclusions .
Always refer back to the Big
Picture
Analysis should be approached as a
critical,
reflective, and
iterative process
that cycles between data and an
overarching research framework that
keeps the big picture in mind.

The analysis of NUMERICAL
(QUANTITATIVE) DATA
is represented in mathematical terms. The
most common statistical terms include:
the mean, which represents a numerical
average for a set of responses.
standard deviation, which represents the
distribution of the responses around the
mean. It indicates the degree of consistency
among the responses.
frequency distribution, which indicates the
frequency of each response. For example, if
respondents answer a question using an
agree/disagree scale, the percentage of
respondents who selected each response on
the scale would be indicated.
The analysis of NARRATIVE
(QUALITATIVE) DATA
is conducted by organizing the data into
common themes or categories.
It is often more difficult to interpret
narrative data since it lacks the built-in
structure found in numerical data.
Initially, the narrative data appears to be a
collection of random, unconnected
statements.
The assessment purpose and questions
can help direct the focus of the data
organization.
Strategies in
analyzing NARRATIVE
(QUALITATIVE) DATA
Focus groups and Interviews:
Read and organize the data from each
question separately. This approach permits
focusing on one question at a time (e.g.,
experiences with tour guides, characteristics
of tourists, tourism board responsibilities).
Group the comments by themes, topics, or
categories. This approach allows for focusing
on one area at a time (e.g., characteristics of
tour guideslevel of preparation, knowledge
of the destination, availability).

Strategies in
analyzing NARRATIVE
(QUALITATIVE) DATA
Documents
Code content and characteristics of
documents into various categories (e.g.,
training manual policies and procedures,
communication, responsibilities).

Observations
Code patterns from the focus of the
observation (e.g., behavioral patterns
amount of time engaged/not engaged in
activity, type of engagement, communication,
interpersonal skills).
Managing Data
Regardless of data type, managing
your data involves
familiarizing yourself with appropriate
software
developing a data management system
systematically organizing and screening
your data
entering the data into a program
and finally weeding out the unnecessary
from the necessary data

Data Types
Different data types demand discrete
treatment, so its important to be able to
distinguish variables by
cause and effect (dependent or
independent)
measurement scales (nominal, ordinal,
interval, and ratio)

Presenting Quantitative Data
Presenting quantitative data often
involves the production of graphs and
tables

These need to be
1. selectively generated so that they make
relevant arguments
2. informative yet simple, so that they aid
readers understanding

Uncovering and Discovering
Themes
The methods and logic of qualitative data
analysis involve:
uncovering and discovering themes
that run through raw data, and
interpreting the implication of those
themes for research questions