Data Analysis Plan Generator
A comprehensive data analysis plan generator designed to help researchers create detailed, step-by-step analysis plans for dissertations, theses, grant proposals, and research projects. Document project information including study title, researcher, research design, sample size, data collection method, and research paradigm. Define research questions across 5 types (descriptive, inferential, predictive, exploratory, confirmatory) with detailed rationale and expected outcomes. Manage variables with 6 types (independent, dependent, mediating, moderating, control, confounding) and 5 measurement levels (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio, qualitative). Create comprehensive data preparation checklists covering missing data, outliers, normalization, coding, validation, and documentation. Build sequential analysis steps with method specifications, purpose statements, data type classification, variable assignments, statistical assumptions, software tools, and time estimates. Visualize your analysis timeline and export publication-ready analysis plans. Perfect for research proposals, IRB applications, dissertation chapters, and grant submissions.
Key Features
- Comprehensive project information tracking
- Study title and researcher documentation
- Research design specification
- Sample size planning
- Data collection method tracking
- Research paradigm selection
- Multiple research questions management
- 5 research question types: descriptive, inferential, predictive, exploratory, confirmatory
- Question rationale documentation
- Expected outcomes specification
- Variables management system
- 6 variable types: independent, dependent, mediating, moderating, control, confounding
- 5 measurement levels: nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio, qualitative
- Variable descriptions
- Data preparation checklist
- Missing data handling strategies
- Outlier detection and treatment
- Data normalization procedures
- Qualitative coding preparation
- Data validation steps
- Documentation requirements
- Completion tracking for preparation steps
- Sequential analysis steps builder
- Step ordering and reordering
- Analysis method specification
- Purpose and rationale for each step
- Data type classification: quantitative, qualitative, mixed
- Variable assignment to steps
- Statistical assumptions documentation
- Software tools specification
- Time estimation per step
- Total timeline calculation
- Analysis timeline visualization
- Common analyses reference guide
- Quantitative methods reference
- Qualitative methods reference
- Search functionality
- Detailed step view
- Edit and update capabilities
- Delete functionality
- Export to formatted text
- Structured analysis plan export
- Export to JSON for backup
- Import from JSON
- Browser localStorage persistence
- No login required
- Statistics dashboard
- Question count by type
- Variable count by type and measurement level
- Preparation steps completion percentage
- Total analysis steps tracking
- Total time estimate calculation
- Professional formatting for exports
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a data analysis plan and why do I need one?
A data analysis plan is a detailed, step-by-step document outlining how you will analyze your research data before you collect it. It specifies your research questions, variables, measurement levels, statistical tests or qualitative methods, assumptions, and software. Having a plan before data collection prevents fishing expeditions, ensures appropriate analyses, satisfies IRB and grant requirements, and helps you justify methodological choices in your dissertation or publication. It's required in most proposals.
How do I choose the right analysis methods for my research questions?
Match methods to question types: descriptive questions (means, frequencies, percentages), inferential questions (t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square), predictive questions (regression, machine learning), exploratory questions (factor analysis, thematic analysis), and confirmatory questions (hypothesis testing, model fitting). This tool guides you through defining research questions and suggests appropriate analysis approaches based on your research design, data types, and measurement levels.
What should I include in the data preparation section?
Data preparation covers: handling missing data (deletion, imputation strategies), identifying and addressing outliers, checking data distribution and normalization needs, recoding variables, reverse-scoring scales, computing composite scores, validating data entry, creating dummy variables for categorical data, and documenting all transformations. This tool provides comprehensive checklists for quantitative and qualitative data preparation steps.
How detailed should my analysis plan be for dissertation proposals?
Dissertation proposals require substantial detail: specify exact statistical tests with justification, list assumptions and how you will test them, name specific software (SPSS, R, NVivo, etc.), provide step-by-step analysis sequences, estimate time for each analysis phase, and explain how each analysis addresses specific research questions. This tool helps you create publication-ready analysis plans meeting committee expectations.
Is this data analysis plan generator free?
Yes, completely free with no registration required. Create unlimited analysis plans, save your work, export detailed plans for proposals, and access all features without cost. Designed specifically for graduate students, researchers, and grant applicants who need comprehensive, methodologically sound analysis plans for proposals, IRB applications, and dissertation chapters.