Data Processing Made Easy
PROCESSING OF DATA
INTRODUCTION
Data processing is an intermediary stage of work between data collection and data analysis. The completed instruments of data collection, viz., interview schedules/ questionnaires/ data sheets/field notes contain. a vast mass of data. They cannot straightaway provide answers to research questions. They, like raw materials, need processing. Data processing involves classification and summarisal1on of data in order to make them amenable to analysis
Processing of data requires advance planning at the stage of planning the research design. This advance planning may covey such aspects as categorization of variables and preparation of dummy tables. This should be done with reference to the requirements of testing hypotheses/inves-tigative questions. This type of preplanning ensures better identification of data needs and their adequate coverage in the tools for collection of data. Data processing consists of a number of closely related operations, viz., (1) editing, (2) classification and coding, (3) transcription and (4) tabulation.
EDITING
The first step in processing of data is editing of complete schedules/questionnaires. Editing is a process of checking to detect and or correct errors and omissions. Editing is done at two stages: first at the fieldwork stage and second at office.
Field editing
During the stress of interviewing the interviewer cannot always record responses completely and legibly. Therefore after each interview is over, he should review the schedule to complete abbreviated responses, rewrite illegible responses and correct omissions.
Office editing
All completed schedules/questionnaires should be thoroughly checked in the office for Completeness, accuracy and. Uniformity
CLASSIFICATION AND CODING
Categorisation and classification
The edited data are classified and coded. The responses are classified into meaningful categories so as to bring out essential pattern. By this method, several hundred responses
INTRODUCTION
Data processing is an intermediary stage of work between data collection and data analysis. The completed instruments of data collection, viz., interview schedules/ questionnaires/ data sheets/field notes contain. a vast mass of data. They cannot straightaway provide answers to research questions. They, like raw materials, need processing. Data processing involves classification and summarisal1on of data in order to make them amenable to analysis
Processing of data requires advance planning at the stage of planning the research design. This advance planning may covey such aspects as categorization of variables and preparation of dummy tables. This should be done with reference to the requirements of testing hypotheses/inves-tigative questions. This type of preplanning ensures better identification of data needs and their adequate coverage in the tools for collection of data. Data processing consists of a number of closely related operations, viz., (1) editing, (2) classification and coding, (3) transcription and (4) tabulation.
EDITING
The first step in processing of data is editing of complete schedules/questionnaires. Editing is a process of checking to detect and or correct errors and omissions. Editing is done at two stages: first at the fieldwork stage and second at office.
Field editing
During the stress of interviewing the interviewer cannot always record responses completely and legibly. Therefore after each interview is over, he should review the schedule to complete abbreviated responses, rewrite illegible responses and correct omissions.
Office editing
All completed schedules/questionnaires should be thoroughly checked in the office for Completeness, accuracy and. Uniformity
CLASSIFICATION AND CODING
Categorisation and classification
The edited data are classified and coded. The responses are classified into meaningful categories so as to bring out essential pattern. By this method, several hundred responses