Research Guides: How to Choose Data Analysis Software: Home

Librarian for Research Data Management and Reproducibility

Gabriele Hayden

she/her

Email Me

Contact:

ghayden@uoregon.edu

541-346-1958

Subjects: Digital Research, Statistical Information

Data analysis is the process of statistical and/or logical techniques being applied to data with the goal of discovering significant information. This information can be used to further data evaluation while producing conclusions and support decision-making.

To learn more about specific research methods across the social sciences, explore the short articles in our newly-acquired Sage research methods foundations database.

Qualitative Analysis: Qualitative data refers to descriptive data, as opposed to numerical data. This can include interviews, questionnaires, and journal entries. The goal of qualitative analysis is for a complete and detailed description.

Quantitative Analysis: Quantitative data refers to numerical data that can be categorized, ranked, or measured. Through quantitative analysis, data is used to construct statistical models in the forms of graphs or tables to explain the conclusions that the data represents.

View this short video below for a basic explanation of the differences between Qualitative and Quantitative Research and Analysis. Closed captions are available.

Develop your data analysis skills using R and Python through one of our workshops, shown below. Still have questions? Make an appointment to meet with a UO Libraries Data Services consultant for help with your qualitative or quantitative data analysis needs.