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Using Excel to Analyze Data

an example

Data is collected from twenty-one students. A subset of students is selected as a target population. Another subset group of students is selected as a different sample population. The data is collected from and consists of:

• A project survey - Six questions each with possible answers ranging from 0 through 4 (typical of a Lichert scale type question)

• A pretest/posttest grade - Each test has a possible grade ranging from 0 through 100

• A project grade - The test has a possible grade ranging from 0 through 100

The objective is to analyze the data and determine the meaning of the results then to express the results in a clear and understandable manner.

1. Captured data is entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet in an organized way.

   • View original data format

   • View contents of original captured data

   • View data as entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
     (note gaps indicating missing data)
      

2. Excel built-in functions are used analyze project survey data, pretest/posttest grade data, and project grade data. Functions used include [with highlighted function examples]:

   • Mean [ =AVERAGE(C4:C24) ]

   • Mode [ =MODE(C4:C24) ]

   • Median [ =MEDIAN(C4:C24) ]

   • Maximum [ =MAX(C4:C24) ]

   • Minimum [ =MIN(C4:C24) ]

   • Range [ =C37-C40 ]

   • Countif [ =COUNTIF(C4:C24,">3") ] (Occurrences of)
      

   • View spreadsheet using functions
     (note the effects of missing data in cell L30)
      

3. Excel charts/graphs are used analyze/describe/present project survey data, pretest/posttest grade data, and project grade data.

   • View spreadsheet using charts/graphs
      

4. A subset of students representing a different sample population is used to demonstrate using t-Test: Paired Two Sample Means

   • View spreadsheet using data analysis tool

Other Links

T-test sample data set

Actual Research example

Using Microsoft (MS) Excel to Analyze Data
   (An earlier version)