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Synthesizing Data: from noise to music. Fiona Jeffries, MA Brandon Regional Health Authority Data Leading to Action: From Chaos to Clarity January 19, 2009. Where’s my circuit board?. No magic formula Ask more questions! Of your data Of other sources Of the people described in the data.
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Synthesizing Data: from noise to music Fiona Jeffries, MA Brandon Regional Health Authority Data Leading to Action: From Chaos to Clarity January 19, 2009
Where’s my circuit board? • No magic formula • Ask more questions! • Of your data • Of other sources • Of the people described in the data
Start with your data • Look at your numbers • What stands out? • Are they what you expected? • Why might they be the way they are?
Question your data • Multivariate analysis? • Compare related data within your data set • What are your assumptions? • Do the data seem to confirm them or suggest something else? • What other questions occur to you?
Question your data - example • Multivariate analysis • Does overweight correlate with: • Inactivity • Low Fruit and Vegetable consumption • Feeling safe at school? • What links can we make with other indicators? Correlation ≠ Causation
Look to the sources • What other sources speak to your data? • Population surveys (e.g. CCHS, Census) • Likely more general than your data • Published research (academic journals) • Likely more specific than your data • Differences or similarities? • Do they answer your questions or suggest more questions?
Look to the sources - example • CCHS 2004 • Canadian household population age 12-17 • 29% overweight • Published Research • Abnormal perception of body weight is not solely observed in pubertal girls: incorrect body image in children and its relationship to body weight, H. Ohtahara, et al. Acta Psychiatrica ScandinavicaVolume 87 Issue 3
Ask the subjects • Qualitative data – what people say • Ask the people you studied what they think • Focus groups • World Café discussions • Photovoice • Participatory video • Social networking groups
The circuit board • Your brain – think about what you find • Your team – discuss with others who may know things you don’t know • Explore possible meanings and ways the story can fit together • Loop! • Repeat the steps as needed – this is not a linear process!
Play the tune • The story begins to emerge • Show your data • Describe how the other sources add to the story • Don’t be afraid to point out questions you can’t answer!