4.8 Data Analysis

Now that you have collected all your data, you will be wanting to be collating and analysing it for patterns and trends to extract quantitative and qualitative data. Be aware that each online tool will come with it's strengths and weakness, like any off-line data analysis tool or instrument.

1. Coding the data using spreadsheets like EditGid, Num Sum, Zoho Sheet or Google Docs.
2. Collating the data using small databases like Coghead, DabbleDB, FreeBase and myWebDB.
3. Using wikis to share with colleagues and partners to examine elements of the data set. The Institutional VLE (like Blackboard, WebCT) could well suffice. Collaborating with externals partners may require setting up and using hosted wikis like PBWiki, BluWiki, WikiSpaces, Google Sites, WetPaint, StikiPad and Wikia.
4. Create mindmaps using Mind42, bubbl.us, Mindmeister or Mindomo.
5. Create charts using Gliffy, Draw Anywhere, Best4C, Track-n-Graph, Swivel, Many Eyes, Google Visualisation Gadgets (inc. Gapminder) or Project Draw.
6. Create geographical maps using Google Maps, PlaniGlobe, Map Builder, or Wayfaring.
7. Connecting pieces of information using mash-up tools like Dapper, xFruits, SuprGlu, NewsMap or Pipes.
8. Generate timelines using Miomi, OurStory, circaVie, ChronoScope, Timeline, Dipity or Dandelife.
9. Generate 3D panoramic scenes using Microsoft's PhotoSynth. Note: all "scenes" created using this tool are public only.
10. Use HyperRESEARCH for analysing qualitative data. There is a freely available "teaching edition" for download (which is available for both Windows and Macintosh platforms) with no time limitations on its use other than it is a limited version of the full package. Take a look at the quick tour guide and tutorials to get the most out of the software. There is also an open source qualitative analysis software tool called Weft QDA.
11. Yoshikoder, an open source "multilingual content analysis program" which is quite good for quick word counts against chosen dictionaries and for creating concordances.
12. GATE (General Architecture for Text Engineering) is an open source software capable of solving almost any text processing problem.
13. Some social network analysis tools can be found at Analytic Technologies.

Remember, with Web 2.0 applications, you will be able to share your data analysis activities with colleagues and research partners by providing them with a special link, an associate account or RSS feed. You can either make these resources private or public.

RESOURCES

• A New View of Statistics
• Easy Calculation - Online calculators
• Electronic Statistics Textbook - StatSoft
• Introductory Statistics: Concepts, Models and Applications - Missouri State University
• National Centre for Research Methods Publications - Economic and Social Research Council
• Online QDA - University of Huddersfield
• Online Statistics - Rice University & University of Houston
• Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation (PARE) - A peer-reviewed electronic journal
• Statistics and Statistical Graphics Resources - York University, California
• Statistics Glossary - University of Glasgow
• The Little Handbook of Statistical Practice
• Surfstat.australia
• Web Center for Social Research Methods

FURTHER READING

Coffey, A., Holbrook, B. & Atkinson, P. (1996). "Qualitative Data Analysis: Technologies and Representations". Sociological Research Online, 1(1). [online]. Available at: http://www.socresonline.org.uk/1/1/4.html [Accessed 23 July 2008]. 

EDUCAUSE. (2006). 7 Things You Should Know About Google Earth.

EDUCAUSE. (2006). 7 Things You Should Know About Mapping Mash-ups.

Helberg, C. (1995). "Pitfalls of Data Analysis (or How to Avoid Lies and Damned Lies)". Third International Applied Statistics in Industry Conference in Dallas, June 5-7, 1995. [online]. Available at: http://my.execpc.com/~helberg/pitfalls/ [Accessed 23 July 2008]

QA Focus. (2008). An Introduction To Mashups. UKOLN.

QA Focus. (2006). Impact Analysis For Web Sites. UKOLN.

QA Focus. (2005). Usage Statistics For Web Sites. UKOLN.

Wickham, M. &Woods, M. (2005). "Reflecting on the strategic use of CAQDAS to manage and report on the qualitative research process". The Qualitative Report, 10(4), December 2005, 687-702. [online]. Available at: http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR10-4/wickham.pdf [Accessed 23 July 2008].