Data Processing

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DATA PROCESSING After data collection, the process of data has to be done , this involves editing, coding, classification

n & tabulation of data. The steps involved in the organization of data are

1. Preliminary screening of the data collected. 2. Editing of data. 3. Coding of data. 4. Classification of data. 5. Tabulation of data. Data collected through filled/completed questionnaires are raw data which cannot be used directly for tabulation, for detailed analysis & finally for drawing conclusions. In the absence of processing of data the analysis of data will be defective, the conclusions drawn may not be reliable & the recommendations made may not be useful for solving the marketing problems faced by the sponsoring company processing of data is an important step in the research process. Filled questionnaires is a huge body of raw data or processing such data, editing, coding, classification & tabulation are required.

I. PRELIMINARY SCREENING OF THE DATA COLLECTED: It is prior to the editing. The purpose of initial screening is to verify accuracy & completeness of data for further processing. The screening of data is usually on the basis of the following three considerations.

1. Relevance. 2. Reliability. 3. Practical use/utility. EDITING OF DATA : It is the process of eliminatory errors in the raw data collected so that the data may subsequently undergo tabulation & classification. The purpose of editing is to eliminate errors or known bias & to prepare data for subsequent coding, tabulation & analysis.

It is the process of inspecting correcting & modifying the information submitted on each questionnaire, so that it is stated correctly adequately & on a basis common to all similar categories of reply.

Need of editing of data 1. To check accuracy of data. 2. To remove errors. 3. To improve the quality of data. 4. To evaluate the performance of field staff. 5. To make uniform decisions on incorrect answers. Procedures for editing of data. In the editing of data, legibility of answers given in the questionnaire etc are checked. The ultimate purpose is to see that data selected for analysis is accurate, complete, uniform, consistent & relevant. In editing decision is taken as regards answers which are incorrect & incomplete. Such answers may be rejected or accepted by changing them in a suitable manner. Types of Data editing. 1. Field editing (2) Office editing. 1. Field editing: It means editing of data during the process of field survey itself. This work is normally given to interviewers & their supervisors when the data collection work is in progress. The interviewers can do such editing work, while noting the information immediately offer the interview. The interviewer has to see that his completed questionnaires are clear & verify them immediately . Field editing is also possible at the level of the supervisor. 2. Office editing: It is also called as central editing. It is possible when all questionnaires are collected at the head office for tabulation. In office this work can be given to a team of editors with detailed instructions as regards the rules & procedures of editing work. Office editing is more systematic & uniform in character as compared to field editing. There are two ways of editing (a) Manual editing, (b) Computer editing. Coding of data It is necessary for the purpose of tabulation. Coding is the procedure of classifying the answers to a question into meaningful categories. It helps in arranging/grouping of varied responses into meaningful categories for the purpose of classification, tabulation & analysis of data. In the absence of coding it will not be possible to reduce a large number of heterogeneous responses into meaningful categories. The symbols used to indicate these categories are called codes. Eg M may

be used for male, F may be used for female, similarly numbers like 1,2,3,4 can be used as code numbers Coding simplifies & speeds up the work of tabulation of data, A code is a number/symbol which stands for each type of reply. It means assigning a number, symbol or other marks to every answer. It is one useful tool of analysis when a large number of questionnaires are required to be handled. Coding is possible at the time of preparing questionnaires. As an alternative coding is done after editing. Editing may be done simultaneously along with editing or it may be done after editing. Guidelines for data coding Coding of data involves two steps 1st to specify the different categories/classes into which the responses are to be classified, 2nd to allocate individual answers to different categories. Following points should be considered while coding.

1. Coding should cover all types of answers given by the respondents. It should be of wide range. 2. Coding categories should not overlap. The categories introduced should be all inclusive & mutually exclusive. Every answer should legitimately fit into only one category & not in many categories. 3. A code sheet containing the code number of all categories of answers for each question in the questionnaire should be prepared for quick reference. 4. Coding work should be given to a knowledgeable person. 5. Appropriate use of numbers, symbols & alphabets should be made for coding of information. 6. More stress should be given to pre-coding over post-coding. Classification of data Data collected through questionnaire are not directly useful for tabulation. Classification of data is essential. The aim of classification is to arrange data systematically for quick & easy understanding/analysis. Classification is a process of arranging data in different groups/class according to resemblances & similarities. Classification means grouping together the data which are homogeneous in character for interpretation purpose. It is the sorting of collected data on the basis of certain well defined characteristics or norms. Classification is the division of data into homogeneous groups on the basis of certain norms. It facilitates comparison & also suggests the salient features of data in a compact form. Objectives of data classification

1. To condense the available data in a compact manner. 2. To make data ready for further processing & analysis. 3. To find out important facts & also to facilitate comparison with data of similar nature. 4. To make data ready for tabulation. 5. To facilitate easy & quick interpretation of data. Basic principles of data classification Classification should not be ambiguous-various categories/groups should be clearly defined in classification. Should be on the basis of a single classification principle eg buyers may be classified on the basis of economic or social status or frequency of purchases or amount spent. Should be mutually exclusive-no overlapping of the categories after classification. Should be mutually exhaustive. Should be distinct. Should be pertinent to MR project.

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