Introduction to Data Analysis Handbook - AED Center for Early Care ...

By creating a visual display of the data, we can begin to get a “feel” of how MSHS grantees
differed in terms of their funded enrollment in 2004 using the numbers above (note: in
Excel, go to “insert” and select “Chart” to convert a spreadsheet column into a bar chart,
see Appendix B.).
By creating and viewing a graphic display of the data, we get a “feel” of how MSHS
grantees’ funded enrollment varies across the region. in particular, the size differences
between the two largest grantees and the rest of the region stand out, as do the more
basic differences between “small” and “large” programs. Again, this visual display of data
is not a substitute for analysis, but it can often provide an effective foundation to guide
subsequent analyses.
Exploratory Analysis
Exploratory analysis entails looking at data when there is a low level of knowledge about
a particular indicator (teacher qualifications, first and second language acquisition, etc.)
it could also include the relationship between indicators and/or what is the cause of a
particular indicator.
Trend Analysis
The most general goal of trend analysis is to look at data over time. For example, to
decern whether a given indicator such as the number of children with disabilities has
increased or decreased over time, and if it has, how quickly or slowly the increase or
decrease has occurred. one aspect of trend analysis that is discussed in this Handbook
and encouraged is that of comparing one time period to another time period. This form
of trend analysis is carried out in order to assess the level of an indicator before and after
an event.
Estimation
Estimation procedures may occur when working with either quantitative or qualitative
data. The use of both quantitative data such as poverty level data, can be combined with
interviews from providers serving low income families to help determine the proportion
of families in the area that are income eligible. Estimation is one of many tools used to
assist planning for the future. Estimation works well for forecasting quantities that are
closely related to demographic characteristics, eligible children and families, and social
services. Estimation is the combination of information from different data sources to
project information not available in any one source by itself.
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© AED/TAC-12 Spring 2006. Permission granted to copy for non-commerical uses only.