Data analysis converts raw observations into findings that answer research questions. The objective is not merely to calculate statistics but to explain what the evidence means for customers, markets, and management decisions.
| Measure | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Count responses in each category |
| Percentage | Show relative distribution |
| Mean | Calculate arithmetic average |
| Median | Identify the middle value |
| Mode | Identify the most common value |
| Standard Deviation | Measure variability around the mean |
Researchers should distinguish statistical significance from business importance, consider alternative explanations, avoid overgeneralization, and communicate uncertainty.