Consolidation of Gathered Data
Data from communities are called findings or outcomes. These findings may either be
quantitative or qualitative data.
Quantitative data are derived from surveys and existing statistics, such as a community’s
population, birth and death rate, literacy rate, and economic data.
Qualitative data encompasses people’s points of view, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which
are often gathered through interviews and observations.
Data consolidation is the process of organizing information by sorting and combining data to
make a coherent understanding of the bigger picture. Quantitative data can be consolidated
using statistical software or spreadsheets.
Analysis of Gathered Data
SWOT Analysis - Several techniques can be used for data analysis. One way is a SWOT
analysis, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis. Strengths
and weaknesses are the internal characteristics of the community that may contribute or hinder
its progress.
Opportunities and threats are external conditions that may benefit or harm the community and
its programs.
PEST Analysis - The acronym PEST is represented by four factors: political, economic, social,
and technological factors. These factors can affect the implementation of certain community
action initiatives.
Political factors include policies or laws existing in the community.
Economic factors include the economic growth of the community, its resources, and the
employment of people.
Social factors cover the cultures, lifestyles, attitudes, education, and other social factors that
shape the community.
Technological factors pertain to technological advancements and how the internet impacts
the implementation of activities.
Interpretation of Data refers to applying processes through which data is reviewed to come up
with an informed conclusion. Data interpretation assigns meaning to the information and data
analyzed by the researchers and determines its significance and effects.
Drawing Conclusions and Recommendations
A conclusion ties the study together. It is a summary of all the highlights of data collection and
data analysis. The conclusion must be able to answer the intentions of the study using data
gathering and analysis, whether it is to assess community needs or evaluate the effectiveness
of community activities.
A recommendation is based on what was stated in the conclusion. Recommendations must
describe the solutions or steps to address community problems or improve existing policies or
activities in the community. A good recommendation must contain.
The following are some guidelines for writing conclusions and recommendations:
1. Begin the conclusion by stating the aims and objectives of the project or program
implemented.
2. Provide a brief summary of the findings or outcomes and synthesize by explaining
how the results achieved the objectives and aims.
3. Describe the trends that emerged from the gathered data and their significance to
the objectives of the program and the community as a whole.
4. Acknowledge the limitations of the program or project building up to a
recommendation.
5. Make concrete recommendations for future programs or activities, including what
needs to be improved and what favorable outcomes could be achieved.
