Converting Data to Information Converting Data to Information

Converting Data to Information

Converting Data to Information • Know your data • Know your audience • Tell a story

Know Your Data • Construct simple frequency distribution for every variable • Examine data distribution • Identify “meaningful” indicator to summarize • N = number • % = percentage • Mean

Know Your Data • Examine “indicator” for patterns across subgroups within your sample • • • Sex Race/Ethnicity Class level College of Enrollment Program participation/Non-participation

Converting Data to Information Examples

Converting Data to Information Examples

Converting Data to Information Examples

Converting Data to Information Examples

The Extent to Which 35 Abilities and Skills Were Enhanced by the Undergraduate Program (N=1775 Alumni) Average Response (Scale of 1 to 5) Exercise personal responsibility 8 3. 9 70 Maintain openness to new ideas 8 3. 9 68 Think analytically & logically 8 3. 8 66 Function independently 9 3. 8 66 3. 8 64 63 Learn how to learn 17 Exercise self-discipline 11 3. 8 Acquire new skills & knowledge 10 3. 7 59 53 Adapt to social situations 17 3. 5 Listen effectively 15 3. 5 50 Understand myself 17 3. 4 50 Exercise problem solving skills 16 3. 4 49 Write effectively 17 3. 4 47 Possess clear goals 18 3. 3 43 23 Speak effectively 43 Carry out research 26 3. 2 Relate to people of different races 27 3. 2 41 Know literature of recognized merit 29 3. 2 41 100 80 60 40 20 0 Percent responding 1 or 2(low) on a 5 point scale 0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent responding 4 or 5(high) on a 5 point scale

The Extent to Which 35 Abilities and Skills Were Enhanced by the Undergraduate Program (N=1775 Alumni) Average Response (Scale of 1 to 5) Evaluate and choose among alternatives 11 Understand cultural differences 34 27 3. 2 3. 1 39 3. 1 38 39 Be effective team member Produce scholarship 33 3. 0 37 Analyze literature critically 35 3. 0 37 Understand scientific findings Cope with conflict 36 3. 0 37 3. 1 36 Appreciate artistic expression 36 2. 9 34 Use statistics Place problems in historical perspective 37 2. 9 34 35 3. 0 32 2. 8 32 2. 9 31 2. 8 31 2. 9 30 28 41 Understand math concepts 37 Take moral & ethical action 42 Employ scientific methods 38 Lead and supervise others Solve math problems 44 2. 7 30 Analyze scientific data Use foreign language skills Utilize computing skills 45 2. 7 29 58 2. 4 27 61 2. 2 100 80 60 40 20 0 Percent responding 1 or 2(low) on a 5 point scale 19 0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent responding 4 or 5(high) on a 5 point scale

Know Your Data • Small Group Exercise