Analyze and interpret measurement data.

The measurement data are analyzed as planned, additional analyses are conducted as necessary, results are reviewed with relevant stakeholders, and necessary revisions for future analyses are noted.

Typical Work Products

1.    Analysis results and draft reports

Subpractices

1.    Conduct initial analyses, interpret the results, and draw preliminary conclusions.

The results of data analyses are rarely self-evident. Criteria for interpreting the results and drawing conclusions should be stated explicitly.

2.    Conduct additional measurement and analysis as necessary, and prepare results for presentation.

The results of planned analyses may suggest (or require) additional, unanticipated analyses. In addition, they may identify needs to refine existing measures, to calculate additional derived measures, or even to collect data for additional base measures to properly complete the planned analysis. Similarly, preparing the initial results for presentation may identify the need for additional, unanticipated analyses.

3.    Review the initial results with relevant stakeholders.

It may be appropriate to review initial interpretations of the results and the way in which they are presented before disseminating and communicating them more widely.

Reviewing the initial results before their release may prevent needless misunderstandings and lead to improvements in the data analysis and presentation.

Relevant stakeholders with whom reviews may be conducted include intended end users and sponsors, as well as data analysts and data providers.

4.    Refine criteria for future analyses.

Valuable lessons that can improve future efforts are often learned from conducting data analyses and preparing results. Similarly, ways to improve measurement specifications and data collection procedures may become apparent, as may ideas for refining identified information needs and objectives.