8 Stages of Data Analysis - Global Information 3.4

There are 8 stages of data analysis.

When analysing data, it is important to follow specific steps to ensure the correct conclusions are drawn. These stages must be completed in order:

• Identify the need:
• First, determine what information is needed and the possible conclusions that can be drawn from it, once it is collected
• Define scope:
• What are the constraints of the process? What are the limitations? These could include timescales, content, budget and amount of detail required
• Identify potential sources:
• Determine the potential sources that can be used to retrieve data for analysis. This will speed up the research process later and will also make citations easier.
• Source and select informaiton:
• Judge the accuracy and bias of the sources. Make sure the informaiton is high quality. Sort the sources in order of reliability and select the best one
• Select appropriate tools:
• Determine which analysis tools will be most useful for the task. These could include charts, graphs and studying trends
• Process and analyse data:
• Create models and graphs from the data. Visualise it so it is easier to understand. Create a table or spreadsheet and produce a graph from it.
• Record and store information:
• Turn the raw data into information. Produce reports or studies analysing the data and draw conclusions from it.
• Share results:
• Send conclusions to interested parties, possibly sharing a report document to the stakeholders and share findings from the analysis process.