ata analysis process Objective 3: Describe the process of data analysis: (a) Preparing the data for analysis;

(b) describing the sample; (c) testing reliability of the measurement; (d) exploratory analysis of the data; (e) confirmatory analyses guided by objectives, questions, or hypotheses; and (f) post-hoc analyses. What is involved in the process of data analysis? The steps in the process of data analysis are as follows: Preparing data for analysis: Computer data entry (in most cases) Data are "cleaned." This involves reviewing all the data entry for errors and missing data. Making decisions about how to handle missing data. Describing the sample: Establishing the frequencies of descriptive variables of the sample in terms of the means and standard deviations. Comparing group frequencies if more than one group is involved. Making decisions about the remaining data analysis if the groups are not equal. Testing the reliability of the measurements: Reevaluating the reliability of observational and physiological measures. Evaluating items on questionnaires for an acceptable Cronbach's alpha coefficient of > .70 If Cronbach's alpha is < .70, making decisions about retaining data from the questionnaire with low reliability. Performing an exploratory analysis of the data: Examining data on each variable to identify outliers (extreme value points) using: Measures of central tendency Measures of dispersion Performing a confirmatory analysis is done to confirm expectations as expressed by the research objectives, questions, or hypotheses. Confirmatory analysis involves using inferential statistics so results may be generalized from the study group to the target population. Performing post-hoc analyses involves examining the results of those statistical tests used to test for group differences (Chi square and ANOVA). When group differences are indicated, the next phase of analysis involves identifying the groups that are significantly different.

Elements of critiquing the statistical analyses and results in quantitative studies Objective 2: Identify the elements involved in critiquing the statistical analyses and results of a quantitative study.

What is involved in critiquing the statistical components of quantitative studies? Critique of statistical portions of quantitative research involves: Identification of the statistical procedures used. Making judgments about the appropriateness of the statistical procedures chosen to answer the research hypotheses, questions, or objectives. Making judgments about the appropriateness of the statistical procedures chosen for the level of measurement of the variables. Remember, the level of measurement is whether the variable is nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio level measurement. Comprehending the discussion of the data analysis results in a study. Making judgments about the author's interpretation of the results. Evaluating the clinical significance of the findings.