MICS 3

DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING

 MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING

Purpose

• Provide an overview of the MICS3 process in analyzing

data

• Provide an overview of the preparation of Preliminary

and Final Reports

• Discuss dissemination of MICS3 results

 MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING

Process for report preparation

• Standard set of MICS3 tabulations provided

• Data processing programs covered in second
workshop
• Data analysis and report writing in third workshop
• Standard guidelines for Preliminary and Final reports
provided
 MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
Before producing tabulations and writing reports,
the following tasks should be completed:
• Carry out basic checks of data quality (non-sampling errors)

• Calculate response rates

Response rates lower than 90% suggests results may be biased; include
response rates in the reports

• Check for variables with large numbers of missing values

Make sure not a problem with data entry or editing; any variable with 10% or
more missing values use with caution; if very high do not use at all

• Check for variables with large numbers of “don’t know” or “other”

answers
Large numbers of DKs can indicate difficulty understanding the questions;
High proportions of “other” indicates questionnaire did not account for most
common responses
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DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING

(continued)
• Check for expected patterns in the data
Unexpected patterns may result from faulty sample design, improper
implementation of the sample, interviewer errors, or respondents’ inaccurate
answers.
• Decide on basic background variables and their groupings
Often include geographic areas, level of education, urban/rural residence,
male/female, wealth quintiles, etc.
• Decide on minimum sample sizes for displaying results
Cells based on very small numbers of cases are not reliable and should not be
shown; results based on fewer than 25 unweighted cases should not be
shown.
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DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING

Producing a Preliminary Report

Objective: To convey the main results of the survey quickly

and to stimulate interest in the current situation
among government agencies, NGOs, other
multilateral donors, the press and the public

Length: 15-20 pages

When: Within one month to six weeks following the end of

fieldwork
 MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING

Outline of Preliminary Report

• Background and objectives of the survey

• Results

• Sample and fieldwork methodology

– Sample design
– Response rates
– Questionnaires
– Fieldwork and field staff
– Processing of data
 MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING

Circulation of Preliminary Report

and Dissemination of Findings
• Circulation - Distribute to relevant government
institutions, NGOs, donors, and the press

• Meeting - Present results at a meeting with

representatives of key agencies and the press

• Press release - Prepare a press release summarizing

main results
 MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING

Outline of Final Report

• Executive summary
• Introduction and background
• Data quality and sample characteristics
• Results (with sections by topic)
• Sample design
• Survey instruments
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DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
Circulation of Final Report and
Dissemination of Findings
• Distribution - to key government agencies, NGOs, donors, researchers
and the press

• Regional and international circulation - by UNICEF, and at meetings and

conferences

• Meeting on main findings - All major participants in the survey should be

invited to a meeting to present main findings

• Specific topics - Meetings and presentations that focus on specific topics

can also be arranged and may lead to additional analysis of the data
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DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING

Further Analysis of the Data

• MICS data can be used for statistical analysis beyond that contained
in the survey report
• The data collected should be exploited as fully as possible
• Potential topics for further analysis:
 Analysis of data quality
 Analysis of trends
 Identification of “most vulnerable” groups
 Examination of health outcomes for orphans versus other children
 Multivariate analyses of determinants of child health or schooling
outcomes