Data processing is a step between the data collection and data analysis processes. The entire set of data gathering tools, including the interview schedule, questionnaire, data sheet, etc., is a data jumble. They are unable to directly respond to research questions. They require processing because they are raw materials.
The following are the major steps in the data processing.
Editing of data is the first step in the processing of data. Editing is a process of checking to detect and correct errors and concessions.
Editing is done in 2 stages.
a) Field Editing: During the time of collection. The examiner is not always able to completely and legibly record the response. Therefore, after each Discussion is over the researcher should review the schedule to complete abbreviated responses, rewrite eligible responses and correct
b) Office Editing: All completed schedules and questionnaires should be thoroughly checked in the office for completeness accuracy and uniformity.
Classification
The edited data have been coded and categorized. To reveal their fundamental structure, the responses are grouped into relevant categories. By using this technique, a number of finished responses are condensed into 5 or 6 useful categories that contain crucial data for the study. Suppose the responses to a question an occupation in a survey consists of items such as a business executive, share broker, electricians, Driver, farm laborer, lawyer, college teacher, medical practitioner barber, carpenter, accountant, and goldsmith.
These data are not willing for analysis. So, they can be classified as
Coding
Coding is the process of assigning numerical values or other symbols to each category of answers to a given inquiry. Based on the relevant category, a coding system is created. A book could be made up of the coding schemes with the allocated symbols and detailed coding instructions. The codebook will identify a particular variable or observation item as well as the code number allocated to each of that item's categories.
|
Day |
Code |
|
Sunday |
1 |
|
Monday |
2 |
|
Tuesday |
3 |
|
Wednesday |
4 |
|
Thursday |
5 |
|
Friday |
6 |
|
Saturday |
7 |
When a small number of schedules are manually processed and tabulated, tabulation can be accomplished directly from the schedules. Direct tabulation from the revised schedule or questionnaire, however, can be challenging if there are a lot of schedules and a lot of responses in them.
After the transcription of data is over data are summarized and arranged in a compact form for further analysis. Thus, tabulation is the process of summoning raw-data and discipline them of compact statistical tables. Tabulation can be done by hand or by mechanical or electronic devices.
In presenting the data of frequency distinction and statistical computation, It is often desirable to use appropriate to forms of graphic representation. In addition to tabular forms. Graphic representation involves the use of graphic charts and other pictorial devices to reduce large masses of statistical data to a form that can be quickly understood at a glance. The devise of graphic representation are useful for non-technical people or general public. The general audience or non-technical persons can benefit from the graphic representation device. Planning for graphic representation must be done nearly meticulously. The most commonly used graphical forms are
Line graph or charts
Bar charts
Segmental representations
Pictograph