Data Analysis Tutorial
Session 3: Descriptive Methods
Overview
In Session 2, you had the opportunity to explore comparison methods for data analysis. For Session 3, we'll focus on using data analysis to add dimension to the data analyzed via the comparison methods. Let's begin exploring descriptive methods!
Before we dig into the tutorial materials, be sure to review the following:
- Read Bartley & Bowen's Basics of Data Literacy Chapters 9 - 10
- Read Mertler's Action Research pp. 172-179
- Review the Choosing Your Data Analysis table. Focus on the descriptive methods section.
Descriptive Methods
Now that you've explored comparison methods, let us dig into descriptive methods. In this session, you'll complete the following:
- The Thematic Analysis section (encompasses student quotes & observations)
- Choose 1 between mean, median, mode and frequency.
If you know what you'll be studying, we recommend that you explore data analysis techniques that align with what you might implement during your action research project. Additionally, before you get started, check your MSSE course to see if you've been assigned any additional tasks by your instructor for Session 3.
For each data analysis technique, you'll see the following:
- A definition of the technique
- Video tutorial(s)
- Additional Readings
- An activity to practice the data analysis technique.
As you're exploring the descriptive methods, ponder these questions:
Descriptive Methods by Jessi Anderson
End of Session Reflection