Part 5: DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES

Understanding the Data

Understanding the data is crucial in the work of a data expert. One beneficial aspect is the availability of supporting documentation, such as a codebook, design documents, questionnaires, and data descriptions, which can enhance your comprehension of the data.

It’s essential to grasp the selection process for respondents, enabling a better understanding of the degree to which the results can be generalized.

Another approach is to examine the column headings and content to understand the meaning of each variable and how they were originally coded.

A helpful technique for comprehensive data understanding is to create an original copy before making any changes. Subsequently, selectively drop/remove columns that may not be necessary for the analysis, as sometimes less is more.

If uncertainties persist about your data understanding, consider asking relevant stakeholders targeted questions to gain further clarity.