Data Processing and Analysis:

Ewnetu Firdawek

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 Definition
• Data is commonly used to mean “information.” It often
suggests large amounts of information in a standardized
format.
• Data may be or contain letters, numbers, equations, dates,
images, and other material.
• Used specifically, data processing refers to a discrete step in
the information processing cycle.
• In the process data is acquired, entered, validated, processed,
stored, and output, either in response to inquiry or in the
form of routine reports.
• In computing, data processing can be used to refer to the use
of a software application to work on some kind of
input data in order to create some sort of output.
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 Data Processing
• Before we actually entered into data processing the quality of
the data should be assured.
• Data quality is assured
– Development of data collection instrument …. Standard / reliable and
valid instrument
– Pre –testing: check for wording, languages, comprehensiveness,
understandability, missed variable, potential to answer objectives of
the study.
– Data Collectors training: standardizing meanings and way of
interview; non-leading.
– Field Checks: during data collection check for completeness and
consistency
• Data will be invalid if >20% of items are non responded
– Data Entry: Data entry, if in computer, use check codes.. Skip pattern,
digits, labels (number, text, date, currency….)
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• Exploration: Data exploration is a methodology in which different
techniques are utilized to find one's way through a data set and bring
important aspects of that data into focus for further analysis. Though such a
methodology can be applied to data sets of any size or type.

• During data exploration look for the distribution of variables,

– Frequencies
– Outlier cases (extreme values)
– Missed values
– Invalid values Sex: M or F ……. Or 1 or 2…… Invalid if neither values.
• Data exploration lets
– Correction of data set
– Need for further analysis and data manipulation

• After all done: Data Analysis

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 Data Analysis: Definition
• Data analysis is a practice in which raw data is ordered and
organized so that useful information can be extracted from it

• Raw data can take a variety of forms, including

measurements, survey responses, and observations. In its raw
form, this information can be incredibly useful, but also
overwhelming.

• Over the course of the data analysis process, the raw data is
ordered and summarized in a way which will be useful, and
understandable for the public.

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 Possibilities:
• Data can be analyzed manually, using routine MS
applications Excel and Access, or statistical packages
designed for data analysis.
• The choice is determined by
– The bulk of the data set
– The data type.. Cross-sectional, longitudinal, Nutritional..
– The output required.. Statistical tests to be used.
– Accessibility, Affordability and Experience

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 Statistical Packages: Definition
• Statistical Packages are application software’s designed for
statistical analysis.
– Basically developed for Economics, Health , Applied
Statistics
– The packages are designed in a user friendly menus and
commands.
• User Requirements
– Trainings
– Experiences
– Basic statistics for simple analysis
– Advanced statistics for advanced and complex analysis
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 Why Statistical Packages?
• Statistical packages are important for
– Time management
– Manage and Manipulate bulk of data in microseconds
– Easily code, recode, compute and transform data
– Easily analyze bulk of data; simple to complex analysis
– Provide standard tabular and graphical summaries
– Compare different set of data at a time
– Store data for longer period of time

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 Types, Availability and Robustness
• Types: Could be classified as
– Free ware’s and Subscribed
• Popular free: Epi Info, WHO Anthro
• Subscribed: SPSS, SAS, Stata, S-Plus, R, Minitab
– Simple and complex
• Simple: Epi info, R, Minitab, S-Plus, WHO Anthro
• SPSS, SAS, Stata
– Robustness
• More strong for complex data analysis (in order)
• SAS, Stata, SPSS

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 What to Analyze?
• Frequency
• Central Tendency
• Dispersion or Variation
• Prevalence
• Incidence
• Odds Ratio
• Correlations
• Associations
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Thank you

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