ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a discussion on the analysis of quantitative data and explains the basic use of statistics. It challenges the perspective that stakeholder engagement in analysis reduces the validity of evaluation findings, and argues that this depends on the way in which validity is perceived. The chapter explores the approaches to data analysis, and highlights the benefits of engaging stakeholders in the stage of evaluation. In order to generate a more nuanced understanding, the stories can be subjected to further analysis using a qualitative approach to content analysis. In relation to evaluation, a deductive approach can be used to test a project's 'theory of change'. An inductive approach takes a different path, using the data to develop broader generalisations and theories. 'Themes' can be understood as 'super-categories' or high-level categories that provide an overall structure to the data.
