Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 197, 67 - 73 (2004)
Published online: 24 July 2004 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4811467
Research in primary dental care Part 6: Data analysis
A C Williams1, E J Bower2 & J T Newton3
- The analysis of data from any research project seeks to answer the research question which was set out at the beginning of the project. As discussed in previous articles in this series the research question can be descriptive, may concern relationships, or may explore differences between groups.
- This article identifies the steps involved in the statistical analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, including advice on software packages which can be used to support data analysis.
- For quantitative research a guide is given to choosing the right statistic for your data.
Research in primary dental care
- Setting the scene
- Developing a research question
- Designing your study
- Measures
- Devising a proposal, obtaining funding and ethical considerations
- Data analysis
- Writing up your research
Abstract
The analysis of data from a research project seeks to answer the research question which the investigators set at the outset of the study. This article provides information on data analysis for both quantitative and qualitative data, always referring the reader back to their initial research question. Advice is also given on software which can be used for the analysis of data. A guide is provided to the choice of appropriate statistics for studies involving quantitative data.
- Consultant Senior Lecturer in Orthodontics, Department of Child Dental Health, University of Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin St, Bristol BS1 2LY
- GDP, Staff Dental Service, Eastman Dental Hospital, 256, Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8LD
- Professor of Psychology as Applied to Dentistry, Department of Dental Public Health & Oral Health Services Research, GKT Dental Institute, Caldecot Road, London SE5 9RW
Correspondence to: J T Newton3 e-mail: Tim.Newton@kcl.ac.uk