The job of a researcher has over the years become faster, more streamlined, and in many respects, increasingly automated. There are efficient systems for handling survey research, data processing, and visualization – all within the same platform.
But despite this, many still find themselves manually manipulating their data in Excel and statistical programs like SPSS and SAS, only to cut and paste the data into graphs in PowerPoint and dashboards. Therefore, here are five things you shouldn’t have to do manually in a modern data analysis process.
1. Combine different variables into indices
Creating indices (sometimes called dimensions or indexes) is very useful when presenting results from various surveys. However, combining different variables to create these indices can be time-consuming and challenging.
Today’s technology allows for a simple, efficient, and more or less fully automated way to create indices. Just choose the variables you want to include, and the system will calculate the rest. Think about how much more time you can spend structuring your presentation for the best impact.
2. Create new variables to calculate Top 2 Box Scores
In many cases, there is a need to manipulate your data, such as calculating the Top 2 Box / T2B (percentage of respondents who responded positively to a particular question). Creating new variables for this purpose manually is both tedious and cumbersome. Let the system do it without duplicating the number of variables so you can spend more time getting to know and understanding your customers deeply.
3. Calculate the mean, convert to a 0-100 scale, or NPS
Calculating means, converting to other scales, or calculating NPS may seem like everyday tasks for all researchers. So why handle this recurring process manually? Let an intuitive, fast, and smart system help you make all the calculations with just a few simple clicks. The time you save can be better spent finding more customers who need your services.
4. Correlation calculations and weighting
Correlation is often calculated to study relationships between variables, and data is weighted before further analysis. Typically, analysts need to export data from the survey tool to a statistical program, such as SPSS or SAS, to perform these tasks. When you no longer have to ship data between different systems, you’ll have more time to do more enjoyable things, like eating cup cakes 🙂
5. Create graphs manually from Excel tables
There’s much to be said about Excel – this powerful tool that almost every researcher uses today despite there being considerably more efficient programs on the market. With more modern systems, you can easily generate graphs that look exactly as you want them, directly in the program you want them – PowerPoint! You will save a lot of time that you can use to streamline other parts of the research process.
In other words, there are many things you can do instead of spending time handling manual tasks.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us at Research Automators, and we’ll help you automate your business with modern technology.