Step 7: Analysing and interpreting data and producing the valuation synthesis

After the data collection process is completed, the data must be systematically processed in the seventh step of the evaluation process in order to make them available for further analysis. A detailed data check must then be carried out.

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In order to answer the evaluation questions, data must first be analysed and interpreted. Analysis means first of all counting, breaking down and grouping data on a highly descriptive level. In the case of large data sets, the data are described using statistical measures. Interpreting means attributing sense making or explanatory meaning to the connections existing within the data. In practice, the two activities cannot be clearly distinguished from one another. The further one progresses in the analysis, the greater - roughly speaking - the proportion of interpretation becomes. In order to satisfy scientific requirements, it is essential to document the analysis and interpretation process so that others can understand and critically assess its conclusiveness.

Finally, the object of evaluation must be subjected to valuation. This can be done by the evaluators, by the stakeholders or by both together. The decisive factors are the criteria and rules on which the valuations are based. Valuations must be justified using empirical data - via the intermediate steps of analysis and interpretation – and reference must be made to the previously established criteria.

This is done in the valuation synthesis by means of two key tasks: On the one hand, the various criteria must be weighted so that it is possible, for example, to carry out a comparative valuation of the content of a more successful object of evaluation as opposed to one which is somewhat less expensive. On the other hand, different viewpoints must be weighted, if, for example, different stakeholders disagree on the relevance of certain criteria. Ideally, these weightings are decided when the criteria are established and before the data analyses are known.

It should be noted that every evaluation requires a valuation. Only with a valuation a descriptive analysis or investigation can become an evaluation.

After the data have been gathered through various forms of data collection, the evaluator is able to analyse, summarise and prepare the data in a descriptive form. The apple can also be valuated on the basis of previously determined valuation criteria.