Data collection, processing, and analysis represents an essential part of the research. It is not uncommon for researchers, educators, and even journals editors to find a statistical problem in a stage of the research process. Poor data analysis and lack of supporting evidence can be one of those important causes for global journal editors rejects a submitted manuscript. We can simply assumed that “bad data practice will lead to bad research”. In order to assist educators and researchers in improving the quality of research data analysis skills, we conducted a webinars by the theme Fostering Data Analysis in Educational Research Using SPSS Software. We invited Engr. Dr. Muhammad Mujtaba Asad, the Head of Educational Technology & TVET Research Sukkur IBA University as a trainer to deliver his knowledge and experience regarding SPSS Software and its application in a research. The webinar has more than 125 participants that has been registered from 10 countries around the world.
In the first session, webinars started by a brief introduction regarding Research Synergy Foundation as a global research ecosystem by Mrs Santi Rachmawati. The event then continued with an introduction of Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) from the trainer Engr. Dr. Muhammad Mujtaba Asad which was moderated by Mrs. Ani Wahyu.
Dr. Asad presented a complete overview of the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) as an application to analyze scientific data related with the social science. Basically, all versions of this software can be used for managing and analyzing all sorts of data. He emphasized that the main thing that must be considered by qualitative or quantitative researchers is what method is used in a research. Choosing a research method will depend on: research questions, philosophy of research, researcher preferences and skills.
Either Qualitative or Quantitative researchers may favor focused on research data. Data is not a systematic or irregular part, so a researcher have to manage it properly and analyze it effectively. For students, research questions may be influence on supervisor’s beliefs, but at least, we have to consider several questions regarding unit of analysis, whether theory or data will come first, or it is cross-sectional or longitudinal.
Dr. Asad then gave an explanation about a key description about quantitative and qualitative approach. Quantitative approach attempts to explain existing phenomena by collecting and analyzing numerical data, using statistical methods. Quantitative researchers will worry about sample, statistical test, result and suitable methods. While qualitative researchers will worry about data coding, capturing a situation in a realistic manner, describe context detail, also whether the approach is flexible and able to change. Qualitative researchers also often have issues regarding respondents and ethical issue of the research process. In conducting a survey, researchers have to make sure that the interview is manageable and not overlapping.
In his presentation, Dr. Asad showed how descriptive statistical analysis can be analyzed using SPSS.
For descriptive analysis, SPSS is able to:
- Create histograms
- Frequency Distribution of Data
- Calculate the Mean Scor
- Calculate the Median and Mode
- Standard Deviation (SD)
- Scattered Graphs Plot
- Pie & Bar Charts
Dr. Asad then explained about what is parametric and non-parametric statistical analysis. He also demonstrated an exercise on how to run hypothesis testing like F test, T test, Annova, and coding variables using SPSS.
After the online training session was over, the webinars moved to the Q & A session. Here are we gathered some interesting questions from the participants.
- Dimas
Q: Is SPSS Similar to Winstep?
A: SPSS more advanced,detailed and extensive output, while winstep have more limited option
- Christopher
Q: How to get a standard sample size?
A: I will recommend the morgan table of sample size based on your population.
- Arik Susanti
Q: Is it ok to conduct blended/mix method in the research?
A: It is not always necessary to conduct a mix-method approach in a research. You can consult with a supervisor to find an authentic result of your research and depend on what your research needs.
- Tuti Rahmi
Q: How about the questionnaire shared online or by social media which can be filled by anyone who is eligible? Can it be generalized? What kind of sampling techniques is it?
A: There is no issue you can share an online questionnaires or telephonic interviews, conducting panel discussion via online platforms due to current situation. You must target your respondents with a specific skill and particular respondents, and better to not make it as an open source. It is okay for qualitative research, based on your nature of your study that you are targeting either random or convenience sampling.
- Desi Rahmawati
Q: What is the difference the use of Spearman and Pearson Product Moment?
A: It can be used for the linearity of data, we can find out the association between 2 variables, whether it is negative or positive. Pearson parametric, spearman non parametric
- Hajra Ameer?
Q: Will the validity of questionnaire compromise after modification?
A: Modification is not about modifying the major part of that particular research, you are just going to align with your particular context. If it is not relevant, delete it, integrate other questionnaire and replace them (with a good reference), ensure and construct validity. You can also run validity practice to minimize an error.
How insightful the discussion was, and many more questions to ask from the participants. The webinars has closed successfully and we look forward to your participation in RSF next events.
Finally, we concluded this webinar successfully. We are glad to hold this webinar and we hope that it can help all researchers analyze their research data. So, we are waiting for you to take part in RSF Webinar Series.