ABSTRACT
This chapter presents various constructive ways to engage in analysis and ways to critique the new understandings. The analysis of both data and direct experiences should result in a deeper understanding of the situation, and a "new" practical theory that can extend existing understanding. Through analysis, data and experiences are restructured and practical theories elaborated. Summaries of existing data are also useful. It is helpful to review data immediately after they have been collected and write a summary, both to provide easy access to the data later and to get an overview of what they offer concerning the research question. Surveys and questionnaires can produce qualitative and quantitative data. The data must have the chance to "speak for itself"—even if the action researcher's main interest is in finding supportive evidence to reduce the amount of work required, or to validate a chosen course of action.
