Analyze the Data

Analyzing collected data requires careful review of the responses you prepared in the last step in order to interpret their meaning accurately. Many people find that exploring the data by various statistical procedures in order to detect new relationships and unanticipated findings is the most exciting and gratifying evaluation task. Continuing to explore new leads can be very rewarding and valuable for the program, but the value must be  balanced against the time

and money it takes. During data analysis, the evaluator needs to keep this in mind and recognize when the point of diminishing returns has been reached.¹

Analysis of data is conducted differently depending on the data type. In quantitative analysis, numbers and what they stand for are the material of analysis. By contrast, qualitative analysis deals in words and is guided by fewer universal rules and standardized procedures than statistical analysis.²

Choose qualitative or quantitative data below.

• Analyzing Qualitative Data
• Analyzing Quantitative Data

Return to Analysis Plan

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1. Source: Stevens, F., Lawrenz, F., & Sharp, L. (n.d.). Design, data collection and data analysis. In: User-friendly handbook for project evaluation: Science, mathematics, engineering and technology education (pp. 31-58). Arlington, VA: National Science Foundation, Directorate for Education and Human Resources.

2. Source: Frechtling, J., Sharp, L., & Westat, eds. (1997). Analyzing qualitative data. In: User-friendly handbook for mixed method evaluations. Arlington, VA: National Science Foundation, Directorate for Education and Human Resource.