2 Choose the appropriate statistical tests

The next step is to select the statistical tests that match your research questions, hypotheses, and data type. Statistical tests are methods of analyzing your data to determine if there are significant differences, relationships, or effects among your variables. For example, you might use a t-test to compare the mean scores of two groups, a correlation to measure the strength and direction of the association between two variables, or a regression to examine the effect of one or more variables on another variable. You should choose the statistical tests that best suit your research design, data level, and assumptions.

3 Perform the data analysis

The third step is to perform the data analysis using a software program, such as SPSS, R, or Excel. You should follow the instructions and procedures for each statistical test, and check for any errors or warnings. You should also verify that your data meets the assumptions of the tests, such as normality, homogeneity, and independence. If your data violates the assumptions, you might need to transform your data, use a different test, or report the limitations of your analysis.

4 Interpret the results

The fourth step is to interpret the results of your data analysis, which means explaining what they mean in relation to your research questions and hypotheses. You should focus on the key findings, such as the test statistics, p-values, effect sizes, and confidence intervals. You should also compare and contrast your results with previous studies, theories, or expectations, and discuss any surprising or unexpected outcomes. You should avoid making claims that are not supported by your data, or generalizing beyond your sample.

6 Reflect on the results

The final step is to reflect on the results of your data analysis, which means evaluating their quality, relevance, and impact for your research and practice. You should ask yourself some questions, such as: How confident are you in your results? How do they contribute to the existing knowledge or literature? How do they inform your research questions or hypotheses? How do they affect your educational goals or actions? You should also identify any gaps or areas for improvement or further research.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?