The data or information you initially collect is often in a bulky format (spreadsheets of numerical data, transcripts of interviews, or descriptions of artefacts) which need to be summarised, interpreted and analysed before you can draw conclusions.
It is often best to summarise information to identify patterns. Summarisation enables you to compare information in a standardised format, often on a single page, so that you (or your reader) does not have to sort through a lot of information to make comparisons. For instance, when interpreting interview data you can prepare tables listing frequently raised issues of interviewees under categories such as age or gender. Numerical data can usually be summarised mathematically, as means (averages), medians, modes or frequencies.
Once information is in a summarised format, it becomes easier to identify patterns and interpret meanings. Sometimes this can be a simple descriptive process if patterns or meaning are obvious.
However, if information is in a very bulky format it may be useful to analyse it further. Numerical data may be statistically analysed to identify trends and significance. Simple statistics such as regression and anova may be performed in Microsoft Excel.
Specialist statistics software such as SPSS (Statistics Package for Social Scientists) or Minitab are available on campus computer pools by UniSA site license. (External or offshore students may need to contact their supervisor to make other arrangements for data analysis.) You may also benefit from advice on how best to analyse your data through a short course on statistics. Your supervisor or the Learning and Teaching Unit's Research Education Advisers should be able to direct you to the appropriate course or consultative service.
Qualitative information may be more closely interpreted with a range of specialised computer-assisted techniques such as NUDIST and UNCOVER, designed to expose patterns in the information you have collected. Check with your supervisor for gaining access.
When writing conference talks, posters, publications or your thesis, you will need to present your information clearly. The use of figures (diagrams, photographs, maps, graphs) or tables (lists of written or numerical information) will save you from writing lengthy descriptions and enable you to demonstrate the crux of your arguments.
Remember that all figures and tables must:
Graphs must have axes labelled and all units of measurement clearly shown.
Information such as raw data tables, photographs of specimens, or artefacts may be more appropriately inserted as appendices.
RESA Online has some helpful workshops:
