MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
Purpose
• Provide an overview of the MICS3 process in analyzing
data
• Provide an overview of the preparation of Preliminary
and Final Reports
• Discuss dissemination of MICS3 results
MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
Process for report preparation
• Standard set of MICS3 tabulations provided
• Data processing programs covered in second
workshop
• Data analysis and report writing in third workshop
• Standard guidelines for Preliminary and Final reports
provided
MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
Before producing tabulations and writing reports,
the following tasks should be completed:
• Carry out basic checks of data quality (non-sampling errors)
• Calculate response rates
Response rates lower than 90% suggests results may be biased; include
response rates in the reports
• Check for variables with large numbers of missing values
Make sure not a problem with data entry or editing; any variable with 10% or
more missing values use with caution; if very high do not use at all
• Check for variables with large numbers of “don’t know” or “other”
answers
Large numbers of DKs can indicate difficulty understanding the questions;
High proportions of “other” indicates questionnaire did not account for most
common responses
MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
(continued)
• Check for expected patterns in the data
Unexpected patterns may result from faulty sample design, improper
implementation of the sample, interviewer errors, or respondents’ inaccurate
answers.
• Decide on basic background variables and their groupings
Often include geographic areas, level of education, urban/rural residence,
male/female, wealth quintiles, etc.
• Decide on minimum sample sizes for displaying results
Cells based on very small numbers of cases are not reliable and should not be
shown; results based on fewer than 25 unweighted cases should not be
shown.
MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
Producing a Preliminary Report
Objective: To convey the main results of the survey quickly
and to stimulate interest in the current situation
among government agencies, NGOs, other
multilateral donors, the press and the public
Length: 15-20 pages
When: Within one month to six weeks following the end of
fieldwork
MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
Outline of Preliminary Report
• Background and objectives of the survey
• Results
• Sample and fieldwork methodology
– Sample design
– Response rates
– Questionnaires
– Fieldwork and field staff
– Processing of data
MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
Circulation of Preliminary Report
and Dissemination of Findings
• Circulation - Distribute to relevant government
institutions, NGOs, donors, and the press
• Meeting - Present results at a meeting with
representatives of key agencies and the press
• Press release - Prepare a press release summarizing
main results
MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
Outline of Final Report
• Executive summary
• Introduction and background
• Data quality and sample characteristics
• Results (with sections by topic)
• Sample design
• Survey instruments
MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
Circulation of Final Report and
Dissemination of Findings
• Distribution - to key government agencies, NGOs, donors, researchers
and the press
• Regional and international circulation - by UNICEF, and at meetings and
conferences
• Meeting on main findings - All major participants in the survey should be
invited to a meeting to present main findings
• Specific topics - Meetings and presentations that focus on specific topics
can also be arranged and may lead to additional analysis of the data
MICS 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING
Further Analysis of the Data
• MICS data can be used for statistical analysis beyond that contained
in the survey report
• The data collected should be exploited as fully as possible
• Potential topics for further analysis:
Analysis of data quality
Analysis of trends
Identification of “most vulnerable” groups
Examination of health outcomes for orphans versus other children
Multivariate analyses of determinants of child health or schooling
outcomes
