Thinking like a data

analyst
Developing a rigorous, reective
attitude & critical eye…
What questions do we need to
ask of the data we encounter?

1. Where does the data come

from?

ASS113-2: Exploring Data 2: Jonny Hunt. Week 2.

What questions do we need to
ask of the data we encounter?

1. 1. Where does the data come from?

2. 2. Who analysed the data?
3. 3. What is missing?
4.

ASS113-2: Exploring Data 2: Jonny Hunt. Week 2.

 What man needs to mark 28
“ days…?

ASS113-2: Exploring Data 2: Jonny Hunt. Week 2.

ASS113-2: Exploring Data 2: Jonny Hunt. Week 2.
What questions do we need to ask
of the data we encounter?
What issues can you spot?

ASS113-2: Exploring Data 2: Jonny Hunt. Week 2.

These questions are what we call:
Critical appraisal
The Mail on Sunday 23rd January 2022.

ASS113-2: Exploring Data 2: Jonny Hunt. Week 2.

Correlation does not equal causation:

Correlation: Positive correlation

Describes patterns in
mutual relationships
between variables. So if
one variable changes,
the other one tends to,
and vice versa – it Negative correlation
doesn’t matter which
one we start with…

ASS113-2: Exploring Data 2: Jonny Hunt. Week 2.

Correlation does not equal causation:
Causation:
Goes a step further and
describes relationships
between variable that
have an action and
direction. A causes B
(not the other way
around).
The law of large
numbers:
The larger a random
sample is the closest
average should be to the
true population.
ASS113-2: Exploring Data 2: Jonny Hunt. Week 2.
What is validity?
Internal validity
Considers whether your data
analysis actually reects the
relationship or e9ect you are
interested in.
Removal of confounding
factors.
Descriptive
Validity
Considers the accuracy in
the reporting of methods
and analysis.
Construct
validity
Considers whether the
variable or measures you
have included accurately
reect the constructs or
concepts they are intended
to represent.
ASS113-2: Exploring Data 2: Jonny Hunt. Week 2.
External validity
Considers whether the
;ndings can be
generalisable to other
settings.
Lab tests often have high
internal validity, but
sometimes struggles with
external validity.
ASS113-2: Exploring Data 2: Jonny Hunt. Week 2.
Choosing a theoretical framework to guide your analysis:

Ontology Epistemology
Theories about the nature of Theories about the nature of
reality or being knowledge

Realism Critical Realism Relativism

A pre-social reality exists A pre-social reality exists but Reality is dependent on the
that we can access through we can only ever partially ways we come to know it.
research know it

12
Explanation from Braun and Clarke (2013) Successful Qualitative Research – A practice guide for beginners.
Sage…
13
Testing Hypotheses – Requires a researcher to formulate 2
hypotheses:

Hypothesis Whilst interested in the Hypothesis must

alternative hypothesis, you
Is a belief or argument actually test the null be
based on intuition, hypothesis. After analysing ◦ Falsi;able or testable
experience or previous the data you will either
research – what you expect reject or fail to reject the ◦ Logical
to happen. null hypothesis. ◦ Succinct (expressed
simply)
Alternative (h1): Don’t write: proven null ◦ Speci;c.
hypothesis as with more
there is a relationship data you may later be able "hypotheses must be
between A&B to reject the null hypothesis. articulated in such as way
that specic study can
determine if the hypothesis
Null (h0): is untrue.”
Karl Popper (2002)
There is no relationship
between A&B
ASS113-2: Exploring Data 2: Jonny Hunt. Week 2.
Readings:
Read:
Chapter 2: Thinking like a data
analyst pp.16-31
Bergin, T (2018) Data Analysis:
Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed
Methods. Sage.
Or
Chapter 2: Ten fundamentals of
qualitative research, pp:19-41
Braun and Clarke (2013) Successful
Qualitative Research – A practice
guide for beginners. Sage
Watch:
Crash course: Study Hall: Episode 2.
Misconceptions in Data Analysis:
https://youtu.be/nd_oOOXeN3A
(10 minutes long)
During the seminars you will
be given the opportunity to
practice all of the elements of
your portfolio. Attendance is
in your best interest.
ASS113-2: Exploring Data 2: Jonny Hunt. Week 2.
Thanks!
ANY QUESTIONS?
Speak to your seminar lead.

16