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CRH607 Health Informatics Research Methods
Topic 8 Analysing Research Data
Overview
Data analysis is an important stage of the research process; it involves gathering, organising, synthesising and interpreting data in order to suggest findings, conclusions and patterns. Data analysis can take many forms, dependent on the methodological approach that is taken. It is also a stage that people tend not to think about until they have gathered their data. A good research plan, however, will address the issue of data analysis. This topic offers resources which discuss data analysis as part of the research planning process, and explore tools, techniques and issues of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Objectives
At the completion of this topic, you should be able to: Describe quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques Identify issues relevant to quantitative and qualitative data analysis Discuss data analysis tools A note about the readings...
The required and extension readings for this topic are available by clicking the hyperlinks in the content, or through the UTAS Library Reading list for CRH607 (http://rlms.utas.edu.au/erl/listpage.php? erlview=readings&erlunit=CRH607).
Introduction
Data analysis strategies and tools differ, depending on whether the data to be analysed are qualitative or quantitative. The readings and resources provided for this topic are not exhaustive, but are intended to give an overview of some of the most commonly used strategies and tools, including computer software. The first group of readings provide a brief overview of the key differences in preparing and analysing qualitative and quantitative data.
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Web Resource
Analysing, Interpreting and Reporting Basic Research results Free Management Library at http://www.managementhelp.org/research/analyze.htm (http://www.managementhelp.org/research/analyze.htm) (http://www.managementhelp.org/research/analyze.htm)
Qualitative Data Analysis
More detailed coverage of strategies and tools used in qualitative data analysis is provided in the following readings. Reading
Neuman, Social Research Methods, Chapter 14 ‘Analysis of Qualitative Data’.
Web Resource
Data analysis in qualitative research Sally Thorne Evidence Based Nursing, 2000, 3; 6870 at http://ebn.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/3/3/68 (http://ebn.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/3/3/68) Computer software is used to assist in analysing qualitative data. Some of the most commonly used programs are NVivo (http://www.qsrinternational.com/ (http://www.qsrinternational.com/)) (http://www.qsrinternational.com/) and Atlasti ( (http://www.atlasti.com/)http://www.atlasti.com/ (http://www.atlasti.com/)) (http://www.atlasti.com/). Be aware that computer programs are tools to assist the researcher, and are only as good as the quality of the data collected and the skills of the researcher
Quantitative Data Analysis
More detailed coverage of quantitative data analysis, including descriptive and inferential statistics, is provided in the following readings.
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Reading
Neuman, Social Research Methods, Chapter 12 ‘Analysis of Quantitative Data’.
Web Resource
Quantitative Analysis Evaluation toolkit at http://toolkit.pellinstitute.org/evaluationguide/analyze/analyzequantitativedata/ (http://toolkit.pellinstitute.org/evaluationguide/analyze/analyzequantitativedata/) As for qualitative data analysis, computer software is used to assist in quantitative data analysis. There are a number of programs available. You should browse the internet to get an idea of the range of applications.
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