By the end of this discussion, the learner/medical student/reader will be able to;
1. Explain the meaning of data analysis
2. Explain the ways data can be presented
3. List some of the tools that can be used in data analysis
INTRODUCTION:
So
much we have discussed about data, the types of data, analysis of
data and presentation of data. For a medical scientist whether a
biostatician or a medical researcher, the way data is analysed and presented
matter a lot. For it gives the exact understanding and a broad
picture before conclusions are made.
In most cases some readers will have hard time reading through the written work of the data analysed however, it may be easier for them to understand the graphical presentation of data. I too find it very easy to understand the work presented in form of graphs and pie chart compared to the written documents of the same work. In our discussion here, we are
going to see the different techniques data can be presented and
analyzed.
DATA ANALYSIS: Now we are taking it that you have finished collecting your data and compiled it to make sure everything is in your data pack including consent forms and the questionnaires in case you used them. The next step will be data analysis and here, it is up to the researcher to decide using electronic software or manual methods to analyze their data. I can not discourage either the manual or the electronic method but what I can say, for an undergraduate not very well experiences with electronic data systems, the manual method will save time and minimize on the possible mistakes. In my discussion here therefore, I am going to rely on manual methods of data analysis, and then we shall be able to look at the electronic methods later. For those interested in the electronic data analysis using tools, follow the link below for some of the most frequently used data tools.
Before starting the process of data analysis, it important to know the types of data you are analyzing whether it is qualitative data or quantitative data. For both types of data are analysed differently. If you are not well versed with the difference between qualitative and quantitative research, click on the links below, to continue with our discussion.
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