AEE 577: Evaluation in Agricultural and Extension Education

NC STATE UNIVERSITY

"The data analysis phase of research, which in the past had often been one of the more difficult and least enjoyable phases of doing research, is not the chore it once was. Nowadays, through the use of modern computers, it is not only much easier but can even be fun."

 (Ary, D., Jacobs, L. C., & Razavieh, A., 1996 p.526)

Class XII:  Analysis and Interpretation of Evaluation Data
 

When you think about data analysis you often think about complicated statistical procedures.  While statistics are a major part of quantitative data analysis, data analysis does not have to be complicated.  This lesson will take you through the basic steps in analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data.

Instructional Objectives:

Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify the phases of data analysis;

2. Identify basic descriptive statistics used in analyzing quantitative data;

3. Conduct quantitative data anaysis;

4. Conduct content analysis of qualitative data; and

5. Interpret the results of the data analysis.

Required Instructional Activities

You have designed an evaluation and have collected data, now what do they mean? The following readings are simplified and very practical discussions of the concept of data analysis.  Remember your type of data will determine the methods of analysis. For more detailed readings to further explain the concepts and methods, you may wish to read the chapters from the text listed under suggested instructional activities.

1. View Power Point presentation. It provides an overview of data analysis and interpretation.

2. Read Phases of Data Analysis.

3. Read Analyzing Survey Data.

4. Read Analyzing Quantitative Data.

5. Read Analyzing Qualitative Data.

6. Review this evaluation tool and Excel spread sheet setup for analyzing evaluation data. You may be able to setup similar Excel files for analyzing your evaluation data.

Suggested Instructional Activities

1. For more detail you may wish to read the following chapters from the course text, Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation by Wholey, Hatry, and Newcomer (2004).:

    "Qualitative Data Analysis" (pages 417-438)

    "Using Statistics in Evaluation" (pages 439-478)

   "Using Regression Analysis" (pages 479-505)

Required Assignments

All items, unless otherwise noted, are due by 12:00 noon on Monday following the week of the class.

1. Post your questions or comments on the Web CT Vista discussion board and reply to at least two postings submitted by your classmates.

2. Reading Assignment # 9 from classes XI & XII readings is due by April 6: Open this reading assignment, complete and e-mail as an attachment to the instructor (jay_jayaratne@ncsu.edu). Remember to type your name and save your completed assignment before you e-mail it.

References

Ary, D., Jacobs, L. C., & Razavieh, A. (1996). Introduction to research in education. (5th Ed.).p.174. Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace College Publishers.

Israel, G.D. (1992).  Phases of data analysis. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida, Cooperative Extension Service.  Available: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/PD/PD00100.pdf.

Israel, G.D. (1992).  Analyzing survey data. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida, Cooperative Extension Service.  Available: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/PD/PD00700.pdf.

Rossi, P. H, Freeman, H. E., & Lipsey, M. W. (1999). Evaluation: A systematic approach (6th edition).  Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. (ISBN 0-7619-0893-5).

Taylor-Powell, E., & Renner, M.  (2003).  Analyzing qualitative data.  University of Wisconsin, Cooperative Extension.  Available: http://learningstore.uwex.edu/pdf/G3658-12.PDF

Taylor-Powell, E.  (1996).  Analyzing quantitative data.  University of Wisconsin, Cooperative Extension.  Available: http://learningstore.uwex.edu/pdf/G3658-6.pdf

Wholey, J. S., Hatry, H. P., and Newcomer, K. E. (2004). Handbook of practical program evaluation (2nd edition).  Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, California.