Yes, You Can Analyze Survey Data Using Excel

Hi Friends,

Let’s be honest. Those of us who have been in the market research profession for more than a few years have always had a bias against Excel. Many of us were trained in SPSS, and Excel seemed almost quaint in comparison.

I confess, I never considered Excel a research tool.

Well, it turns out that while I wasn’t looking, Excel became a pretty robust option for survey data analysis.

Here’s how my interest in Excel came about. I engaged with a new instructor about a year ago—Dan Reynolds. He teaches Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis. He is the one who raised the question: is it time to revisit Excel as a survey data analysis tool? He knew a lot more about it than I did, but he soon had me convinced.

To be frank, am I still a bit SPSS-centric?

Yes. But not everyone has SPSS. So at minimum, Excel is a fallback when SPSS is not an option. But many researchers may find it more than adequate for all of their needs.

Spearheaded by Dan, we have developed a new curriculum around Excel as a data analysis tool. This training uses a flipped classroom model, supported by pre-recorded video lessons. In this model, the students watch videos as “homework” to learn the concepts. Then they meet the instructor in real-time in the virtual classroom to work through exercises together, along with other students.

This flipped classroom approach will be familiar to anyone who has taken our Intro to SPSS class in the past 2 years. It requires students to get hands-on during class—and that really is the only way to learn some of these Excel features such that you will retain the information.

Two options are coming up in the next 60 days:

Option 1: The no-travel option will be taught in the Research Rockstar virtual classroom, this class starts March7th and will meet for 90 minute sessions for four consecutive weeks at 11 AM Eastern.
Option 2: The Brooklyn option will be taught as an in-person workshop at the Quirk’s Event, on Thursday February 25th from 9:30 to 3:00 PM.

Dan and I hope to see you in class!

Sincerely,

Kathryn

508.691.6004 ext. 705

Skype: KKorostoff

[email protected]