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LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

GRADE 12
INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATION AND IMMERSION

QUARTER 4-LESSON 6: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION METHODS

NOTE: Be sure to write your name, strand and section, date, lesson number, title of the lesson and your
parent’s signature in your answer sheet (short or long bond paper.)

Do not write anything in the Learning Activity Sheet.

INTRODUCTION
In the previous lesson, you have learned the procedure of collecting data
for your research paper. This lesson will focus on the data analysis and
interpretation of data. This lesson will help you explain the research analysis
and interpretation method that you will use in your research topic.

WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT THIS TOPIC?

Activity 1: Here’s a sample of research which made use of statistical analysis.
Analyze how statistical analysis is used in “A Case Analysis of Disaster Risk
Reduction Preparedness of Iloilo Province: Basis for a Comprehensive
Intervention Program” Use the URL to access the document:
http://www.apjmr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/APJMR-
2016.4.3.18.pdf

ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE
Data analysis and interpretation must be explained in the research
methodology. With the use of techniques, the data collected are processed to
determine possible patterns and trends, discover similarities and differences,
and find out possible relationships that exist in the data. Using the results, the
researcher will be able to address the research problem.
In research, whether it is quantitative or qualitative, data are gathered,
recorded and compared. Researchers identify multiple processes, causes,
properties, and even mechanisms within the data. They look for patterns and
possible similarities and differences. However, there are different ways of
analyzing and interpreting data.
There are a number of differences between quantitative and qualitative
research analyses. Neuman (2007) identifies them as follows:
Qualitative Research Analysis Quantitative Research Analysis
Uses less standardized methods of data Uses a specialized and standardized set
analysis of data analysis methods
Uses many approaches to analyze data Applies a mathematical approach
Finds patterns or relationships and Data analysis does not start until all
conducts analysis even during the data data have been collected and
collection phase of research summarized into numbers. Data are
manipulated to find patterns or possible
relationships
Creates new concepts and theories by Manipulates numbers that represent
combining empirical data and abstract empirical facts to examine theoretical
concepts hypothesis
Does not test a hypothesis, but rather it
illustrates or shows how a theory,
generalization or interpretation, is
possible.
Does not rely on statistics or Numbers are used to explain the answer
mathematics. Data are explained in to a social research problem
 words, concepts, and theories that are
considered imprecise and context-based
and could have multiple meanings or
interpretations

QUANTITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS

In quantitative research, the researcher uses computers to analyze data.
Data Coding
In data coding, the researcher reorganizes the data into a format that can
that easily be processed by computers. They develop rules to assign numbers
to variable attributes. It is then necessary for them to establish coding
procedures and produce a well-organized and comprehensive codebook prior to
the collection of data. Computers can conduct statistical analysis of
quantitative data.
Steps in Data Coding
1.Encode collected data.
When the data are not well organized, or they are not in numerical form,
researchers produce rules to assign certain numbers to variable attributes.
He/she should assign a particular code to a particular variable, including rules
for coding missing data. It is necessary to provide a code for every category of the
variable attribute. In the first sample codebook, for gender, males are coded as
1, while females are coded as 2. For year level in school, 1 is assigned to
freshman; 2, sophomore; 3, junior; 4, senior; 5 post-baccalaureates; and 6,
graduate student.
2. Transfer the information gathered from each question in the questionnaire
into a format that can be processed by computers.
3. Conduct statistical analysis using computer programs that can examine
statistical data.
4. After coding the researched data, verify the accuracy of coding.
Statistical Analysis
Researcher statistical analysis use to examine numerical data, which they
manipulate and summarize to produce a meaningful analysis particularly in
quantitative research, they use descriptive statistics analysis in which there are
a number of categories. The analysis could involve only a single variable called
univariate; 2 variables or bivariate; 3 or more variables called multivariate.
 a) Here is an example of a univariate statistics describing a single variable
using Frequency Distribution.

RAW COUNT FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION

Raw Count Frequency Distribution Percentage Count Frequency Distribution
Gender Frequency Gender Percentage
Male 100 Male 25%
Female 300 Female 75%
Total 400 100%

b) Here’s an example of how bivariate relationships are analyzed.

Attitude of People by Age Group about the Reimposition of Death Penalty for
Heinous Crimes Committed in the Philippines
Raw Count Table
Age Group

Attitude Under 30 30-45 46-60 yrs. 61 yrs. old Total

yrs. old old & above
Agree 20* 10 4 3 37
No Opinion 3 10 10 2 25
Disagree 3 5 21 10 39
Total 26** 25 35 15 101

Column-percentage and row-percentage tables can also be used to show the

relationships between two variables or bivariate.
Column Percentages can be calculated by computing the percentage of the first
cell of that column with that of the first column total, the second cell of that
column with that of the second column total, and so on. Below is the example.
 Attitude of People by Age Group about the Reimposition of Death Penalty for
Heinous Crimes Committed in the Philippines
Column Percentage Table
Age Group

Attitude Under 30 30-45 46-60 yrs. 61 yrs. old Total

yrs. old old & above
Agree 20*/26**
X 100 = 40% 11.4% 20% 36.6%
76.9%
No Opinion 11.5% 40% 28.6% 13.3% 24.8%
Disagree 11.5% 20% 60% 66.7% 38.6%
Total 99.9% 100% 100% 100% 100%
N (26) (25) (35) (15) (101)

Note: * refers to the number of respondents under 30 who agreed to the

reimposition of death penalty
** refers to the total number of respondents for under 30 age range
Using Graphs
In qualitative research, graphs can also be used to explain data results.
Researchers can utilize histogram, pictogram, bar graph, pie chart and line
graph.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH ANALYSIS

In qualitative research, data results can be explained in different forms.
Researchers propose explanations about the social world based on concrete data
or evidence and specific contexts. They use general ideas, themes, or concepts
to make generalizations or conclusions.
Two Main Approaches to Qualitative Data Analysis
1. Deductive Approach
The deductive approach involves analyzing qualitative data based on a structure
that is predetermined by the researcher. A researcher can use the questions as
a guide for analyzing the data. This approach is quick and easy and can be used
when a researcher has a fair idea about the likely responses that he/she is going
to receive from the sample population.
2. Inductive Approach
The inductive approach, on the contrary, is not based on a predetermined
structure or set ground rules/framework. It is a more time-consuming and
thorough approach to qualitative data analysis. An inductive approach is often
used when a researcher has very little or no idea of the research phenomenon.
5 Steps to Qualitative Data Analysis
Whether you are looking to analyze qualitative data collected through a one-to-
one interview or qualitative data from a survey, these simple steps will ensure a
robust data analysis.
Step 1: Arrange your Data
Once you have collected all the data, it is largely unstructured and sometimes
makes no sense when looked at a glance. Therefore, it is essential that as a
researcher, you first need to transcribe the data collected. The first step in
analyzing your data is arranging it systematically. Arranging data means
converting all the data into a text format. You can either export the data into a
spreadsheet or manually type in the data or choose from any of the computer-
assisted qualitative data analysis tools.
Step 2: Organize all your Data
After transforming and arranging your data, the immediate next step is to
organize your data. There are chances you most likely have a large amount of
information that still needs to be arranged in an orderly manner. One of the best
ways to organize the data is by going back to your research objectives and then
organizing the data based on the questions asked. Arrange your research
objective in a table, so it appears visually clear. At all costs, avoid the temptations
of working with unorganized data. You will end up wasting time, and there will
be no conclusive results obtained.
Step 3: Set a Code to the Data Collected
Setting up proper codes for the collected data takes you a step ahead. Coding is
one of the best ways to compress a tremendous amount of information collected.
The coding of qualitative data simply means categorizing and assigning
properties and patterns to the collected data. Coding is an important step in
qualitative data analysis, as you can derive theories from relevant research
findings. After assigning codes to your data, you can then begin to build on the
patterns to gain in-depth insight into the data that will help make informed
decisions.
Step 4: Validate your Data
Validating data is one of the crucial steps of qualitative data analysis for
successful research. Since data is quintessential for research, it is imperative to
ensure that the data is not flawed. Please note that data validation is not just
one step in qualitative data analysis; this is a recurring step that needs to be
followed throughout the research process. There are two sides to validating data:
1. Accuracy of your research design or methods.
2. Reliability, which is the extent to which the methods produce accurate
data consistently.
Step 5: Concluding the Analysis Process
It is important to finally conclude your data, which means systematically
presenting your data, a report that can be readily used. The report should state
the method that you, as a researcher, used to conduct the research studies, the
positives, and negatives and study limitations. In the report, you should also
state the suggestions/inferences of your findings and any related areas for future
research.
Advantages of Qualitative Data
1. It helps in-depth analysis: Qualitative data collected provide the researchers
with a detailed analysis of subject matters. While collecting qualitative data, the
researchers tend to probe the participants and can gather ample information by
asking the right kind of questions. From a series of questions and answers, the
data that is collected is used to conclude.
2. Understand what customers think: Qualitative data helps the market
researchers to understand the mindset of their customers. The use of qualitative
data gives businesses an insight into why a customer purchased a product.
Understanding customer language helps market research infer the data collected
more systematically.
3. Rich data: Collected data can be used to conduct research in the future as
well. Since the questions asked to collect qualitative data are open-ended
questions, respondents are free to express their opinions, leading to more
information.
Disadvantages of Qualitative Data
1. Time-consuming: As collecting qualitative data is more time-consuming, fewer
people are studying in comparison to collecting quantitative data. Unless time
and budget allow, smaller sample size is included.
2. Not easy to generalize: Since fewer people are studied, it is difficult to
generalize the results of that population.
3. Dependent on the researcher’s skills: This type of data is collected through
one-to-one interviews, observations, focus groups, etc. it relies on the
researcher’s skills and experience to collect information from the sample.
LESSON OUTPUT: (Work with Groupmates)
Explain the method that you will use for data analysis and interpretation in your
research. Use the following questions as guide:
1. Is your research quantitative? If yes, what research method or methods
will you use for analysis? Choose from the following: use of graphs, charts
and tables; use of frequency distribution? Explain your choice.
2. Is your research qualitative? If yes, what research method or methods will
you use for analysis? Choose from the following: coding, conceptualizing,
narrative? Explain your choice.
3. Explain the research analysis and interpretation method that you will use
in your group research.

LESSON 5 OUTPUT: Writing Your Research Paper Methodology

The methodology section of your research paper is not all about describing your
data gathering process and your analysis. Methodology is about the overall
approaches and perspectives of the research process. Here are some tips as well
as the problems to avoid in order to write an effective research methodology.

How to write an effective methodology section?

1. Introduce your methods. Introduce the methodological approach used in
investigating your research problem. In one of the previous sections, your
methodological approach can either be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed
methods.
2. Establish methodological connection. Explain the relevance of your
methodological approach to the overall research design. Keep in mind that
the connection between your methods and your research problem should
be clear. This means that your methodology must be appropriate to
achieve your research paper’s objective—to address the research problem
you presented.
3. Introduce your instruments. Indicate the instruments you are going to use
in collecting your data and explain how you are going to use them. These
tools and instruments can be your surveys, questionnaires for interviews,
observation, etc. If your methods include archival research or analyzing
 existing data, provide background information for documents, including
who the original researcher is, as well as how the data were originally
created and gathered.
4. Discuss your analysis. Explain how you are going to analyze the results of
your data gathering process. Depending on the methods you use, you can
use statistical analysis or explore theoretical perspectives to support your
explanation of observed behaviors.
5. Provide background information. When using methods that your readers
may be unfamiliar with, make sure to provide background information
about these methods.
6. Discuss sampling process. Explain the reason behind your sampling
procedure. For example, if you are using statistics in your research,
indicate why you chose this method as well as your sampling procedure.
If you are going to do interviews, describe how are you going to choose the
participants and how the interviews will be conducted.
7. Address research limitations. Make sure to address possible limitations
you may encounter in your research, such as practical limitations that
may affect your data gathering process. If there are potential issues you
anticipate to encounter in the process, indicate your reason why you still
decide to use the methodology despite the risk (SHU Library, n.d.).

What to avoid in writing the methodology section of your research?

1. Avoid including irrelevant details.
2. Keep your methodology section straightforward and thorough. Details that
do not contribute to the readers’ understanding of your chosen methods
should not be included in your methodology section.
3. Irrelevant information includes unnecessary explanations of basic
procedures. Basic procedures should only be explained if they are
unconventional and unfamiliar to the readers.
4. Do not ignore the problems you might encounter during the data gathering
process. Instead of turning a blind eye, describe how you handled them
(SHU Library, n.d.).

Ethical Considerations
Researchers must adhere to ethical norms to ensure trust, accountability,
mutual respect, and fairness (Resnik, 2015). According to Saunders, Lewis, and
Thornhill (2003, p. 131), there are some ethical considerations that researchers
must be mindful of, especially during the process of gathering and presenting
research data:
1. The rights to privacy of the individuals involved.
2. The nature of participation in the research must be voluntary and the
individuals involved must have the right to withdraw partially or
completely from the process.
 3. All participants must provide their consent first.
4. Maintenance of the confidentiality of data provided by individuals as well
as identifiable participants’ anonymity.
5. How participants react to the researchers’ methods in seeking to collect
data.
6. How the participants will be affected by the way in which data is analyzed
and reported.
7. The behavior and objectivity of the researcher.

LESSON 5 OUTPUT: WRITING THE METHODOLOGY SECTION OF YOUR

RESEARCH STUDY
With your groupmates write the chapter 2 (methodology) of your research work.
Be able to include the following parts/sections in your chapter 3:
Research Design
Research Environment
Research Respondents
Research Instrument
Data Gathering Procedures
Statistical Treatment of Data

“Have confidence that if you have done a little thing well, you can do a
bigger thing well too.”