Thesis Chapter Four: Data Analysis

Anne René ElsbreeCalifornia State University San Marcos

Chapter Four Objective

To describe and analyze research findings

Written in past tense

Chapter Four Introduction Identify problem & restate the

research question (Do not repeat your entire Ch 1.)

Preview the contents of the chapter Explain your organization of the data

and analysis - Label themes. Describe the themes addressed in

chapter Use all of the titles of subsection in

the introduction as sign posts for the reader to know what is coming.

Data Presentation Describe the findings within context of

the setting, research question(s) and field of education

Provide Visual Representation Tables/Figures Quotes Photos Concept Maps

Properly identify each data representation using APA format as well as provide within the narrative of text

The findings are detailed and flow easily

Data Analysis Appropriately analyze - using the

process you described in Chapter 3 and explain your analysis process

Iterative - use a systematic review Make sure nothing is left out of analysis.

Provide sufficient evidence Explain how this research analysis

integrates into the specific field of study as well as the entire field of education.

Interpretation Interpret how you made sense of the

findings Contextualize the findings to the field of

education Include inconsistent findings and discuss

possible alternative interpretations Articulate how author’s insider/outsider

impacted the findings and interpretations. Articulate insights gained from study Glimpse into the limitations of study in

reference to data and analysis

Chapter Four Conclusion Summarize key concepts in

Chapter 4 Re-articulate research question Provide a transition to Chapter

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