An Introduction to Data Analysis
Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Methods
- Tiffany Bergin - New York Criminal Justice Agency
Covering the general process of data analysis to finding, collecting, organizing, and presenting data, this book offers a complete introduction to the fundamentals of data analysis.
Using real-world case studies as illustrations, it helps readers understand theories behind and develop techniques for conducting quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods data analysis. With an easy-to-follow organization and clear, jargon-free language, it helps readers not only become proficient data analysts, but also develop the critical thinking skills necessary to assess analyses presented by others in both academic research and the popular media.
It includes advice on:
- Data analysis frameworks
- Validity and credibility of data
- Sampling techniques
- Data management
- The big data phenomenon
- Data visualisation
- Effective data communication
Whether you are new to data analysis or looking for a quick-reference guide to key principles of the process, this book will help you uncover nuances, complexities, patterns, and relationships among all types of data.
Bergin’s book has a clear and straight-forward structure covering the key points and issues required to engage in qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods research. This is an accessible introduction for undergraduates encountering research methods for the first time.
Tiffany Bergin is clearly an experienced and effective teacher, reminiscent of the late Cathie Marsh (both authors taught research methods at Cambridge). This book is informed by professional experience outside academia and is recommended as required reading in research methods (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed) for courses in sociology, social policy and related areas. It can serve either as a course text or as a self-teaching aid.
Well organised and easy to use, written in a no-nonsense style, addressing the reader throughout as "you" with emphasis on learning by doing hands-on with real data, it is full of sound practical advice and stresses the importance of organising your work and especially on communicating your findings.
Moved to a new university. Will consider adoption on courses there as the content was relevant and accessible.
I really like this book. The quantitative section is especially useful, with the introduction of both real world, and well crafted fictional, data samples utilised well within the various statistical tests demonstrated. The level of complexity is just right, not too easy or straightforward to lessen understanding but not too difficult that it makes the reader put the book down and look elsewhere for data analysis support . The supporting assumptions provided after the examples are very helpful. Decision already made, I have referred the book to the university library for purchase.
This is a very good resource for students and teaching
This is a very good resource
This is a really comprehensive book, which covers the key aspects of data analysis that my doctoral students will encounter. It is clearly presented, and the style of writing makes it easily accessible for the students, no matter how far along their studies they are. The inclusion of various examples, checks and activities, has made it very useful in the teaching of such core skills, too.
The book provides a synthesis of ideas on how qualitative data analysis provides a veritable tool to research development in geography. It provides an easy-to-dispense materials for teaching.
My course includes the teaching of both quantitative and qualitative research methodology. The text is clear and comprehensible for the students of the course of study. So I recommend it to my students to deepen the concepts of research methodology.
Great book added to multiple research based modules across ICT programmes.
Sage College Publishing
