Data Analysis Section
George Mason University and Curtin University guidance treat data analysis as a methods-stage explanation of how collected data were prepared, examined, coded, summarized, or statistically tested, with techniques matched to the study. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies use different analytical traditions; required detail and section placement depend on the field, design, and publication venue.
A Data Analysis section explains how the raw or collected data were transformed into findings, including the analytical approach, preparation steps, coding or statistical techniques, and relevant tools when needed.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies use different analytical traditions; required detail and section placement depend on the field, design, and publication venue.
Further guidance
Content
Link the analysis to the research questions and data type, state material preprocessing or coding decisions, and justify important choices when the discipline or venue expects that explanation.
Purpose
A Data Analysis section explains how the raw or collected data were transformed into findings, including the analytical approach, preparation steps, coding or statistical techniques, and relevant tools when needed.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Scientific (IMRaD) Research Reports — Methods Section (opens in a new tab)George Mason University Writing Center · University writing-center guidance that an IMRaD methods section explains how research was conducted with enough relevant detail for understanding/replication
- Data analysis techniques — Quantitative methods (opens in a new tab)Curtin University Library · University research-methods guidance on quantitative data analysis, including statistical techniques for summarizing data and testing hypotheses.
- Data analysis techniques — Qualitative and mixed methods (opens in a new tab)Curtin University Library · University research-methods guidance on qualitative analysis techniques for identifying and interpreting patterns, themes, and meanings.