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DATA INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS
Once data has been displayed in an appropriate format and all investigative tasks are completed then understanding what it means is a matter of interpreting and analysing
the data so that conclusions can be drawn.
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Interpretation |
– Identify trends in different variables. |
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Correlating |
– Identifying how one factor
affects another. |
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Analysing |
– Understanding what the data represents. |
The purpose of many investigations is to determine whether a relationship does exist between two variables.
ie To see if a correlation exists. Consider the data displayed on the line and scatter graphs in Figure 1 and 2 below .
To interpret graphs trends or patterns must be identified. If a trend exists, this will suggest some kind of relationship between the two variables. Many relationships are possible.
Line graph Interpretation
A trend on a line graph suggests more than just a connection between the two variables. It also implies that manipulation of one variable caused a change in the other variable. The following
is from Scanlon D, and Morgan R (1991)
Scatter graph Interpretation
Look at the plot distribution in a scatter graph to determine whether there is a or correlation between the two variables
Trends on graphs
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Data Analysis
Organisation
of Data
Drawings
Tabulating info
Graphing
Line graphs
Column graphs
Histograms
Scatter graphs
Two+
variables
Summary
Analysis of Data
Trends
on a graph
Guidelines from BIOTA
Report Writing
Working Scientifically
Observations
Observation Questions
Hypothesis Formation
Experimental Design
Aspects
Ethics
Types of Research
Data Analysis |
