The Online Data Analysis (ODA) training series
Episode 1 – Welcome to the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis Tool
Welcome to the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool!
In this video, we introduce Afrobarometer and show you how to access the ODA — a free, user-friendly platform to explore public opinion data from 40+ African countries since 1999. Learn what the ODA can do, how survey rounds work, and how to start analyzing citizen voice data today.
Episode 2 – Selecting your data
In this video, we show you how to select surveys, countries, and questions in the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool. Learn how to:
- Choose a survey round (e.g., Round 9, 2021–2023)
- Select one or multiple countries from the list or map
- Browse or search for questions by category or keyword
With these skills, you’ll be ready to start your own analysis of Afrobarometer data.
🔗 Access the ODA
🔗 Explore Afrobarometer questionnaires:
Episode 3 – How to create frequency tables and charts with the ODA
In this video, we show you how to create your first frequency table and chart using the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool. You’ll learn:
- What frequency analysis is and how it helps us understand public opinion
- How to create frequency tables and charts using the ODA
🔗 Access the ODA
🔗 Learn more about Afrobarometer sampling methodology
🔗 Watch earlier videos in this series
Episode 4 – Giving data meaning: Reading frequency tables and charts
In this video, we show you how to read and interpret frequency tables and charts in the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool. You’ll learn:
- What each column means: frequencies, percentages, and percentages excluding missing data
- The difference between “Refused” and “Don’t know” responses
- How charts mirror table data.
By the end, you’ll be confident in making sense of Afrobarometer tables and charts.
🔗 Access the ODA
🔗 Watch earlier videos in the series
Episode 5 – Customizing ODA tables
In this video, we show you how to customize tables in the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool. You’ll learn how to:
- Zoom in and adjust table display
- Navigate different table display options
- Change decimal settings for clearer reporting
🔗 Access the ODA
🔗 Watch earlier videos in the series
Episode 6 – Chart customization
In this video, we explore chart customization in the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool. You’ll learn how to:
- Zoom in for a closer look at charts
- Switch between chart types (bar, column, pie, doughnut, line)
- Add or remove elements like labels and values
These options help you design clear, effective visuals to present Afrobarometer data.
🔗 Access the ODA
🔗 Watch earlier videos in the series
Explore the Online Data Analysis tool
Our Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool is a free and easy way to find, analyse, and use high-quality data on the views and experiences of Africans.
ExploreEpisode 7 – Crossing data by variables
In this video, we show you how to compare groups with cross tabulations in the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool. You’ll learn how to:
- Cross data by gender, age, education, or location
- Add a second variable for deeper insights
- Read and interpret cross-tab tables
- Adjust how values are displayed
By the end, you’ll know how to create clear, powerful comparisons that reveal hidden patterns in Afrobarometer data.
🔗 Access the ODA
🔗 Watch earlier tutorials
Episode 8 – Unveiling trends over time
In this video, we show you how to use the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool to see trends over time. You’ll learn how to:
- View the same question across multiple rounds
- Spot changes in public opinion over time
- Understand line charts and stacked bar and column charts
- Deselect categories to keep charts clear and focused
By the end, you’ll know how to uncover stories about how African views and experiences shift over time.
🔗 Access the ODA
🔗 Watch earlier tutorials
Episode 9 – Cross-national insights: Comparing countries in the ODA
In this video, we show you how to compare countries using the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool. You’ll learn how to:
- Select multiple countries for side-by-side comparisons
- Read tables showing averages and country-level differences
- Refine your comparisons by adding or removing countries
By the end, you’ll be able to uncover powerful cross-national insights and regional trends in Afrobarometer data.
🔗 Access the ODA
🔗 Watch earlier tutorials
Episode 10 – Geographic trends: Exploring heat maps in the ODA
In this video, we show you how to use heat maps in the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool to explore geographic trends. You’ll learn how to:
- Find and interpret maps of Afrobarometer data across Africa
- Select different map display options
- Identify the most common responses across countries
By the end, you’ll know how to turn survey results into clear, easy-to-read maps that reveal regional or continental insights.
🔗 Access the ODA
🔗 Watch earlier tutorials
Episode 11: Extra tips for using the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis Tool
In this final video, we share extra tips to help you get the most out of the Afrobarometer Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool. You’ll learn how to:
- Understand dependent questions and why some responses may be missing
- Handle “missing,” “don’t know,” and non-applicable responses
- Export your results to Excel, PDF, or as an image for easy sharing
With these tips, you’ll be ready to explore Afrobarometer data with confidence and bring your insights into reports, campaigns, and conversations.
🔗 Access the ODA
🔗 Watch the full ODA tutorial series
🔗 Contact Afrobarometer for support