You collect a large amount of data for your thesis research. At some point, it is time for the next step: the data analysis for your thesis. You will translate the data found from your research into concrete results. This will allow you to answer the research question. But first, you need to understand the following: Which data analysis methods are there? What else should you pay attention to in the data analysis section of your thesis?
Which data analysis method should I use?
There are various data analysis methods. Which one to use depends on the type of research you've done. You approach the analysis of quantitative data differently from that of qualitative research data.
Numerical data analyses
In quantitative research, your data can be expressed in numbers, percentages, averages, etc. You often analyze this data using statistics.
Based on your research question, you determine which statistical test you need. For example, for a comparison of two groups, you need a different type of test than when you compare three groups with each other.
Some examples of analytical methods for quantitative research include:
● means and standard deviations;
● correlation coefficients indicating the relationship between two variables;
● statistical tests to determine whether a hypothesis is true or false (in the case of a relationship between two variables or the difference between two groups);
● regression analysis to determine the relationship between more than two variables or the difference between more than two groups.
Numerical data must first be entered in a program such as Excel or SPSS. This is necessary for you to be able to properly test the data. Make sure all information is in the correct fields, so you can conduct the data analysis correctly.
Data analysis in qualitative research
If you have done qualitative research, your results are not numerical. For example, you have interviews, observations, images or texts to analyze. How you analyze the data depends on what kind of data you have and how your research method works.
data analysis in qualitative research may include, for example:
● coding interviews;
● encrypting data;
● analysis according to a more commonly used method or template (also discuss this in your theoretical framework);
● a comparison of the collected data.
Where to place the data analysis section in your thesis
In the method chapter in your thesis, you indicate how you have analyzed your data. In this chapter, you will discuss, among other things, the research design, the participants and the method for data collection. You also state how you proceeded with the data analysis. Also, you must indicate the software you have processed your data with. Did you use SPSS, Excel or another program for this?
Incidentally, for some study programs, you do not have to devote a separate heading to data analysis in your thesis. Instead, you may have to devote a separate heading to this in your results chapter. Check with your thesis supervisor about what applies in your case.
The outcome of the data analysis is discussed in the results chapter. Later, in the conclusion, you will arrive at answers to your research question based on these results.
Example of thesis data analysis
We would like to show you what the data analysis in your thesis can look like. Below is an example of data analysis for quantitative and qualitative research.
Example data analysis: quantitative research
For the data analysis, we first processed the answers from the survey in SPSS. The data was then analyzed using regression analysis. This made it possible to determine to what extent the outcomes of the three groups of participants in the experiment differed significantly from each other.
Example data analysis: qualitative research
For the data analysis, we first transcribed the recorded GP-patient conversations. Subsequently, according to the model, XX codes were assigned to the moments in these conversations when the GP showed his authority. The data was then analyzed in SPSS based on these codes. Regression analysis was used to answer the research question.
More examples?
Are you curious about how other students write about their data analysis in their thesis? View several thesis examples. Look specifically for an example from your academic field. That will give you a good idea of how other students write this part of their thesis.
Want to have your thesis checked?
Are you curious about how other students write about their data analysis in their thesis? View several thesis examples. Look specifically for an example from your academic field. That will give you a good idea of how other students write this part of their thesis.
Want to have your thesis checked?
Writing a thesis is quite a big project and there is a lot that you have to pay attention to. A language error or poorly-written sentence might find its way into your thesis. Don't worry: our editors will help you filter out any errors.
You can have your thesis checked for language, structure and/or common thread. Then, you can be sure that you hand in your thesis with clear sentences, a clear structure and correct spelling.