Analysis Of Quantitative Data:

If a survey has been well prepared and piloted, and successfully carried out, then the data analysis should be relatively straightforward. It is essential that the responses are condensed to numerical data by coding, and the figures can then be collated - either manually or, for larger surveys, by computer - and statistical analyses carried out to identify dependent and independent variables, and relationships, and to test their significance. There are three main types of numerical data, and the distinctions between them are important when they are to be analysed statistically.

¨ Nominal data. This term can be explained by considering, for example, the response to a question asking respondents to identify their gender. The possible responses could be coded "1 = female" and "2 = male". The numbers themselves are arbitrary and do not signify anything - they could well have been picked at random. Their use is purely to provide consistency in the treatment of responses to each particular question. This is known as nominal data, and is no more than labelling different categories, with no obvious ordering. Statistical measures such as medians and modes and frequency measures are used to summarise key features of nominal data.

¨ Ordinal data. If a particular question has a range of answers, such as an attitude statement on a Likert scale, the response selected is known as ordinal data. This type of data signifies classifications which have a relationship with other, similar classifications in terms of their order.

¨ Interval data. This is where the interval between any adjacent points is the same as the interval between any other adjacent points, such as the difference between salaries of £10,000 and £20,000 and between £20,000 and £30,000. Statistical measures such as the mean, standard deviation and variance are used to summarise key features of interval data.

It is not our objective here to go into the detail of the different types of statistical analyses, which may be applied. But, make sure you are clear about the most appropriate methods when designing the questionnaire.

Posted Date: 2/20/2013 6:27:31 AM | Location : United States

Ask an Expert

Related Discussions:- Analysis of quantitative data, Assignment Help, Ask Question on Analysis of quantitative data, Get Answer, Expert's Help, Analysis of quantitative data Discussions

Write discussion on Analysis of quantitative data
Your posts are moderated

Write your message here..

Related Questions

Recording results, Recording Results: We have already mentioned the impo... Recording Results: We have already mentioned the importance of honesty in scientific reporting. It is a temptation to leave out or disregard unexpected results because they

Particular market model, Explain the industry and describe the general patt... Explain the industry and describe the general pattern of change of the particular market model.

Retention of the hr function within organisation, Retention of the HR Funct... Retention of the HR Function within Organisation Your Executive Directors are proposing to reduce the size of the HR section, or even close the function completely. You are to

Observation report, To prepare a report that persuasively urges management ... To prepare a report that persuasively urges management to take appropriate action, explaining why such action is needed (including reference to possible breaches of international s

Job description, description of vice chairperson description of vice chairperson

What are the barriers to effective communication, Question 1: (a) Descr... Question 1: (a) Describe communication. Distinguish between verbal and non-verbal communication. (b) What are the barriers to effective communication? (c) What are the

Define the behaviour of managerial leadership, Define the behaviour of mana... Define the behaviour of managerial leadership. Particularly, managerial leadership is behaviour which elicits voluntary follower behaviour beyond which associated with needed p

Ashridge mission model, What is the Ashridge Mission Model?  Managers ... What is the Ashridge Mission Model?  Managers and employees are seldom looking for an aim and a sense of identity. They desire more than just safety, pay and an opportunity to

Employee reward system, Analysis should focus on the following: The rang... Analysis should focus on the following: The range of job evaluation techniques available and their suitability Highlighting the steps needed to draw up and implement a job ev

Communicating performance standards to employee, Communicating performance ... Communicating performance standards to employee Performance appraisal involves at least two parties the appraiser who does the appraisal and the appraises whose performance is