CHAPTER 05

ANALYSING QUANTITATIVE DATA

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 Learning Objective

• Data for quantitative analysis can be collected and then

coded at different scales of measurement

• Data type constrains the presentation, summary and

analysis techniques that can be used

• Data are entered for computer analysis as a matrix and

recorded using numerical codes

• Codes should be entered for all data values

• Existing coding schemes enable comparisons

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 Learning Objective

• Data must be checked for errors

• Initial analysis should use both tables and diagrams

• Subsequent analyses involve describing data and

exploring relationships by using statistics

• Longitudinal data may necessitate different statistical

techniques

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 Chapter Outline
5.1 Introduction
Preparing, inputting and checking data
5.2

5.3 Exploring and presenting data

5.4 Describing data using statistics

5.5 Examining relationships, differences

and trends using statistic
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201041- Analysing quantitative data
 5.1. Introduction
Key points

• Data must be analysed to produce information

• Computer software analysis is normally used for this

process

• Data should be carefully prepared for analysis

• Researchers need to know how to select and use

different charting and statistical techniques

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 5.1. Introduction

Main concerns

• Preparing, inputting and checking data

• Choosing the most appropriate statistics to describe the

data

• Choosing the most appropriate statistics to examine

data relationships and trends

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 5.2. Preparing, inputting and
checking data
Main considerations
• Type of data (scale of measurement)

• Data format for input to analysis software

• Impact of data coding on subsequent analyses

• Case weighting

• Methods for error checking

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 5.2. Preparing, inputting and
checking data
Data Layout
Data matrix example

Saunders et al. (2009)

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 5.2. Preparing, inputting and
checking data

Main data categories for coding

• Numerical data

• Categorical data

• Missing data

Saunders et al. (2009)

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 5.2. Preparing, inputting and
checking data

Final stages of the process

• Entering data – rubbish in = rubbish out!

• Weighting cases

• Always take time to check for errors – including

illegitimate codes, illogical relationships and that
rules were followed in filter questions

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 5.3. Exploring and presenting
data
Exploratory analysis key aspects

• Specific values

• Highest and lowest values

• Trends over time

• Proportions

• Distributions

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 5.3. Exploring and presenting
data
Showing aspects of individual variables

• Specific values

• Highest and lowest values

• Trends

• Proportions

• Distribution of values

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 5.3. Exploring and presenting
data
Examples of diagrams: Bar Chart

Source: Eurostat (2007) © European Communities.

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 5.3. Exploring and presenting
data
Examples of diagrams: Histogram

Saunders et al. (2009)

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 5.3. Exploring and presenting
data
Examples of diagrams: Pie Chart

Saunders et al. (2009)

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 5.3. Exploring and presenting
data
Comparing variables to show

• Specific values and independence

• Highest and lowest values

• Proportions

• Trends and conjunctions

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 5.3. Exploring and presenting
data
Comparing variables to show

• Totals

• Proportions and totals

• Distribution of values

• Relationship between cases for variables

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 5.4. Describing data using
statistics
Statistics to describe a variable focus on
two aspects

• The central tendency

• The dispersion

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 5.4. Describing data using
statistics
Describing the central tendency
• To represent the value occurring most
frequently
• To represent the middle value
• To include all data values

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 5.4. Describing data using
statistics
Describing the dispersion

• To state the difference between values

• To describe and compare the extent by which

values differ from the mean

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201041- Analysing quantitative data
 5.5. Examining relationships,
differences and trends using
statistic

Using statistics to

• Test for significant relationships and differences

• Assess the strength of relationship

• Examine trends

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