INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATION AND IMMERSION

WEEK 3 and 4/ FINALS

GRADE 11

READINGS:
Interpreting the Data
Interpretation is the process of attaching meaning to the data. After identifying and
analyzing, coding and organizing a presentation, and identifying the themes and patterns,
the next step is to interpret the results. In this process, the results are synthesized into a
coherent whole. Meaning and significance are attached to the analysis of data. The themes
and patterns serve to explain the findings. The implications of the study are highlighted in
this section as a preface for the final parts of the research paper which are the summary of
the findings, conclusion, and recommendations.

The following are the steps in interpreting research findings:

a. Points or important findings should be listed.
b. The lessons learned and new things should be noted.
c. Quotes or descriptive examples given by the participants should be included.
d. The new found knowledge from other settings, programs, or reviewed literatures
should be applied.

The following are the levels of interpretation as considered in organizing the discussion of
the results (Ducut & Pangilinan, 2006):
Level 1. Data collected are compared and contrasted and any unexpected results may
be included. Comments on certain shortcomings of the study may be made but they should
not overly emphasize the flaws.
Level 2. The internal validity of the results, as well as their consistency or reliability,
is explained. The causes or factors that may have influenced the results are described.
Level 3. The external validity of the results, that is, their generally or applicability of
the external condition is explained.
Level 4. The data are related to theoretical research or with reviewed literature.

The importance of data interpretation is evident and this is why it needs to be done
properly. Data is very likely to arrive from multiple sources and has a tendency to enter the
analysis process with haphazard ordering. Data analysis tends to be extremely subjective.
That is to say, the nature and goal of interpretation will vary from business to business,
likely correlating to the type of data being analyzed. While there are several different types
of processes that are implemented based on individual data nature, the two broadest and
most common categories are “quantitative analysis” and “qualitative analysis”.
Yet, before any serious data interpretation inquiry can begin, it should be understood that
visual presentations of data findings are irrelevant unless a sound decision is made
regarding scales of measurement. Before any serious data analysis can begin, the scale of
measurement must be decided for the data as this will have a long-term impact on data
interpretation ROI. The varying scales include:
 Nominal Scale: non-numeric categories that cannot be ranked or compared
quantitatively. Variables are exclusive and exhaustive.
 Ordinal Scale: exclusive categories that are exclusive and exhaustive but with a
logical order. Quality ratings and agreement ratings are examples of ordinal scales
(i.e., good, very good, fair, etc., OR agree, strongly agree, disagree, etc.).
 Interval: a measurement scale where data is grouped into categories with orderly and
equal distances between the categories. There is always an arbitrary zero point.
 Ratio: contains features of all three.
How to Interpret Data
When interpreting data, an analyst must try to discern the differences between
correlation, causation and coincidences, as well as many other bias – but he also has to
consider all the factors involved that may have led to a result. There are various data
interpretation methods one can use.
In this part, we will look at the two main methods of interpretation of data: with a
qualitative and a quantitative analysis.
Qualitative Data Interpretation
Qualitative data analysis can be summed up in one word – categorical. With qualitative
analysis, data is not described through numerical values or patterns, but through the use
of descriptive context (i.e., text). Typically, narrative data is gathered by employing a wide
variety of person-to-person techniques. These techniques include:
 Observations: detailing behavioral patterns that occur within an observation group.
These patterns could be the amount of time spent in an activity, the type of activity
and the method of communication employed.
 Documents: much like how patterns of behavior can be observed, different types of
documentation resources can be coded and divided based on the type of material
they contain.
 Interviews: one of the best collection methods for narrative data. Enquiry responses
can be grouped by theme, topic or category. The interview approach allows for highly-
focused data segmentation.
A key difference between qualitative and quantitative analysis is clearly noticeable in the
interpretation stage. Qualitative data, as it is widely open to interpretation, must be “coded”
so as to facilitate the grouping and labeling of data into identifiable themes. As person-to-
person data collection techniques can often result in disputes pertaining to proper analysis,
qualitative data analysis is often summarized through three basic principles: notice things,
collect things, think about things.
Quantitative Data Interpretation
If quantitative data interpretation could be summed up in one word (and it really
can’t) that word would be “numerical.” There are few certainties when it comes to data
analysis, but you can be sure that if the research you are engaging in has no numbers
involved, it is not quantitative research. Quantitative analysis refers to a set of processes by
which numerical data is analyzed. More often than not, it involves the use of statistical
modeling such as standard deviation, mean and median. Let’s quickly review the most
common statistical terms:
 Mean: a mean represents a numerical average for a set of responses. When dealing
with a data set (or multiple data sets), a mean will represent a central value of a
specific set of numbers. It is the sum of the values divided by the number of values
within the data set. Other terms that can be used to describe the concept are
arithmetic mean, average and mathematical expectation.
 Standard deviation: this is another statistical term commonly appearing in
quantitative analysis. Standard deviation reveals the distribution of the responses
around the mean. It describes the degree of consistency within the responses;
together with the mean, it provides insight into data sets.
 Frequency distribution: this is a measurement gauging the rate of a response
appearance within a data set. When using a survey, for example, frequency
distribution has the capability of determining the number of times a specific ordinal
scale response appears (i.e., agree, strongly agree, disagree, etc.). Frequency
distribution is extremely keen in determining the degree of consensus among data
points.
Typically, quantitative data is measured by visually presenting correlation tests between
two or more variables of significance. Different processes can be used together or
separately, and comparisons can be made to ultimately arrive at a conclusion. Other
signature interpretation processes of quantitative data include:
 Regression analysis
 Cohort analysis
 Predictive and prescriptive analysis
Why Data Interpretation Is Important
The purpose of collection and interpretation is to acquire useful and usable
information and to make the most informed decisions possible. From businesses, to
newlyweds researching their first home, data collection and interpretation provides limitless
benefits for a wide range of institutions and individuals. Data analysis and interpretation,
regardless of method and qualitative/quantitative status, may include the following
characteristics:
 Data identification and explanation
 Comparing and contrasting of data
 Identification of data outliers
 Future predictions
 Data analysis and interpretation, in the end, helps improve processes and identify
problems. It is difficult to grow and make dependable improvements without, at the very
least, minimal data collection and interpretation. What is the key word? Dependable. What
are a few of the business benefits of digital age data analysis and interpretation?
1) Informed decision-making: A decision is only as good as the knowledge that formed
it. Informed data decision making has the potential to set industry leaders apart from the
rest of the market pack.
2) Anticipating needs with trends identification: data insights provide knowledge, and
knowledge is power. The insights obtained from market and consumer data analyses have
the ability to set trends for peers within similar market segments.
3) Cost efficiency: Proper implementation of data analysis processes can provide
businesses with profound cost advantages within their industries.
4) Clear foresight: companies that collect and analyze their data gain better
knowledge about themselves, their processes and performance. They can identify
performance challenges when they arise and take action to overcome them. Data
interpretation through visual representations lets them process their findings faster and
make better-informed decisions on the future of the company.

Various methods of data presentation can be used to present data and facts based on
available data set. Widely used format and data presentation techniques are mentioned
below:
1. As Text – Raw data with proper formatting, categorization, indentation is most
extensively used and is a very effective way of presenting data. Text format is widely found
in books, reports, research papers and in this article itself.
a. With the rearranged data, pertinent data worth mentioning can be easily
recognized. The following is one way of presenting data in textual form.
b. Stem-and-leaf Plot is a table which sorts data according to a certain pattern. It
involves separating a number into two parts. In a two-digit number, the stem consists of
the first digit, and the leaf consists of the second digit. While in a three-digit number, the
stem consists of the first two digits, and the leaf consists of the last digit. In a one-digit
number, the stem is zero.
Below is the stem-and-leaf plot of the ungrouped data given in the example.
Stem Leaves
0 -9
1 -7,8
2 -0,3,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
3 -4,4,5,5,7,8,8,8,8,9,9,9
4 -2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5,6,6,6,8,9
5 -0,0,0
Utilizing the stem-and-leaf plot, we can readily see the order of the data. Thus, we
can say that the top ten got scores 50, 50, 50, 49, 48, 46, 46, 46,45, and 45 and the ten
lowest scores are 9, 17, 18, 20, 23,23,24,25,26, and 27.

2. In Tabular Form – Tabular form is generally used to differentiate, categorise, relate

different datasets. It can be a simple pros & cons table, or a data with corresponding value
such as annual GDP, a bank statement, monthly expenditure etc. Quantitative data
usually require such tabular form. A frequency distribution table (FDT)- is a table which
shows the data arranged into different classes(or categories) and the number of cases(or
frequencies) which fall into each class.
3. In Graphical Form – Data can further be presented in a simpler and even easier form by
means of using graphics. The input for such graphical data can be another type of data
itself or some raw data. For example, a bar graph & pie chart takes tabular data as input.
The tabular data in such case is processed data itself but provides limited use. Converting
such data or raw data into graphical form directly makes it quicker and easier to interpret.

a. Bar Charts/Bar Graphs: These are one of the most widely used charts for showing
the grown of a company over a period. There are multiple options available like stacked bar
graphs and the option of displaying a change in numerous entities.
b. Line Chart: These are best for showing the change in population, i.e., for showing
the trends. These also work well for explaining the growth of multiple areas at the same
time.
c. Pie Charts: These work best for representing the share of different components
from a total 100%. For eg. contribution of different sectors to GDP, the population of
different states in a country, etc.
d. Combo Chart: As the name suggests it is a combination of more than one chart
type. The one shown in the figure below is a combination of line and bar graph. These save
space and are at times more effective than using two different charts. There can even be 3
or more charts depending on the requirement.

Activity 1: Discussion
Directions: Read the questions carefully. Write your answer in a separate sheet of paper.
Please write your answer clearly and easy to understand.

1. Why data interpretation is important?

2. Explain each the three types of presenting your data and give an example for a better
understanding of your explanation.

Prepared by:

SHARA D. MANZUL
FRANK P. CATUBUAN
BIRTHEMINDA P. CAASI
VANESSA C. JABAGAT
EVELYN P. DOMINGO

Checked by:
JENNILYN Z. PALANCA
APAN Head Teacher