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

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Writing
Write your key findings and interpretations as related to your purpose. A well written
report ought to proceed from your findings and interpretations to recommendations
that are clear and concise. The report should include a brief narrative consisting
of a restatement of your purpose(s), question(s), finding(s), interpretation(s) and
recommendation(s). The following is list of useful tips to keep in mind when writing a
report:
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Write to your audience;
Reference all tables and data;
Title all figures, maps and tables;
Connect figures, maps and tables to narrative;
When using figures, maps and tables make sure that they do not contradict the
narrative;
Make sure that your recommendations are derived from your data and not “random”
stand alone pieces that have not been introduced earlier; and
it is highly recommended that your narrative include a brief description of your
methodology.
Evaluation
As identified in Section 3 Conceptualizing Data Analysis as a Process, the final step of
the Managing the Data Analysis Process is evaluation. Here, the data analysis team can
review and reflect upon:
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Development of a team: was team structure and team make-up appropriate?
Planning: was the plan followed, timelines met?
Data Management: How well was the data stored? Did the appropriate people have
access to data when needed? Was the appropriate computer software used, was it user
friendly and were you able to go about finding needed information?
Writing, Reporting: How well did the writing tell the story of the data? Did the
intended audience find the presentation of information effective? Was the report well
written?
© AED/TAC-12 Spring 2006. Permission granted to copy for non-commercial uses only.