Part II Collecting and analysing data 8.1.6. Filtering data It is common to filter out the values you do not want to see in the dataset. In the dataset mentioned above, for example, you might only be interested in reviewing the most up-to-date values. To filter the whole spreadsheet, use the following steps: 1. Under the “Data” tab, select the “Filter” button. You now should see triangles next to the column names in the first row. 2. Click on the triangle next to the column you are interested in. A dialog box should appear, from which you can select and deselect the options you want to include or exclude. 8.2. ANALYSING DATA WITH SPREADSHEETS Once you have sorted and filtered your spreadsheet, it is time to begin your analysis. Analysing data helps you extract answers to your questions. Say you have data on GDP, population, life expectancy and healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP, for all countries over a number of years. There are many questions concerning the right to health you could answer. For example: • How much does each country spend in total on healthcare (in USD)? • How does a specific country compare to others? • How much is spent per capita in each country (in USD)? • How has spending in each country changed over time? It is important to remember that the data in your spreadsheet will not always provide all the information you need to answer your research questions. For example, based on the data we have, we do not know the amount of money spent on healthcare in each country. However, we can calculate this figure by using data that we do have, namely GDP per country and health expenditure as a percentage of GDP. You can calculate new values such as these using spreadsheet “formulae”. Chapter 8: Analysing data: A short introduction to working with spreadsheets | 87