Dabbling in the Data: A Hands-On Guide to Participatory Data Analysis
This free tool provides step-by-step guidance on hands-on, practical activities and techniques that will help mission-driven organizations make meaning of data.
Want to decrease data overwhelm?
Want to find more interesting or practical ways to make meaning of data?
Dabbling in the Data is for you!
Mission-driven organizations are increasingly interested in utilizing data to support continuous quality improvement, but are unsure how to meaningfully dive in. Data analysis can seem daunting, especially for those with limited experience working with data. And, a lot of the quality improvement trainings out there either ignore data interpretations or offer limited guidance about how to dig into the data.
Our guide, Dabbling in the Data, includes tried-and-true, hands-on, practical approaches to explore and analyze data frequently used in mission-driven organizations.
This iteration of Dabbling was newly revamped in late 2024. It was expanded with 10 fresh activities, more easy to use tools, virtual adaptations, and playlists for mixed methods. (So, if you have the old version, be sure to download this one!)
You, too, can dabble in the data!
The activities in this guide are suitable for two purposes:
1) Learning analysis techniques
2) Learning ways to analyze data you have on hand
The activities are collaborative and team-centered, allowing groups to engage in rich discussions. Involving more people promotes more inclusive, equitable interpretation of information, leading to more robust, accurate conclusions.
Harmonize with Dabbling Playlists
One of the best ways to use the Dabbling activities is to mix them together, creating a hands-on, interactive experience for your interest holders.
Just like a good playlist of your favorite songs, putting together a mix of Dabbling activities can make data more memorable and meaningful. Check them out –
- Playlist: Getting Comfortable with Data
- Playlist: Scan-Analyze-Prioritize
- Mega Mix: Needs and Asset Assessment
- Mega Mix: Continuous Quality Improvement
Want to bring Dabbling to your organization? We offer custom workshops!
Fill out this quick survey or email [email protected] to learn more.
We hosted a Dabbling in the Data Training of Trainers event in San Francisco to an audience of educators and nonprofit consultants. Here’s what they had to say:
- "[It was the] perfect blend of info and reflection. Very modern, didn't use the same old… so I learned more and more. All involved were wonderful and knowledgeable."
- "I drove almost 4 hours to get here... I would do it again and again!"
- "I learned a framework for selecting data analysis exercises with program staff & multiple stakeholders."
- "Many thanks for a valuable and enjoyable session--I honestly can't remember when I felt both of those things in as great amounts during PD!"
Coffee Break Webinar | 11.8.24 | Dabbling in the Data
