Editing Coding

Editing and Coding of Data: Importance and Principles Dr. N. AUDINARAYANA Professor and Head. Dept. of Sociology & Population Studies Director, School of Social Sciences Bharathiar University COIMBATORE – 641 046 E-mail: [email protected]

Editing Editing is a process of examining the collected raw data (especially in surveys) to detect errors, options, inadequate entries and to correct these when possible. Basic Principles of Editing: Checking of the no. of Schedules / Questionnaire) Completeness (Completed in filling of questions) Legibility To avoid Inconstancies in answers To Maintain Degree of Uniformity To Eliminate Irrelevant Responses Two Types: 1. Field Editing

2. Central Editing

Field Editing: While the data collection is in the process, the supervisor in responsible to collect the correct information. Normally, it will be done at the same day or next day Here, 2 types of problems may be avoided: Recording the Answer to Questions and Illegible Hand Writing. At times Translation also.

Central Editing: At the Office mostly after data collection or at times during data collection.

Editor must keep the following points in mind while editing the data Familiar with instructions given to the interviewer and coder While crossing out the original entry, there should be just one line, so as the original is visible Entries should be made in a distinguished colour and that too in a standared form Editor should initial all answers which they change or supply Editor initials and date of editing be marked on each completed form.

Coding Coding is the process of classifying responses into meaningful categories It involves combining / pooling detailed information into a limited number of categories that enable simple description of the data and allow for statistical analysis Coding refers to the process of assigning numerals or other symbols to answers that responses can be put into a limited number of categories or classes. Pre-coding and Post-coding

Basic Principles of Coding: Link to Theory Exhaustiveness: Single / Married / Divorced Mutual Exclusiveness: Overlap – Hindus, Muslims, Shaikhs, Christians, Catholics Mixing of dimensions – White Collar, Blue Collar, Government, Private Emp. Detail: Coding should be in detail. It is preferable to include too many categories rather than too few. This would be easy to reduce the number of categories later than slitting the already coded group of responses.

On the whole, the number of categories should be small Categories that include very few cases can not be retained in the coding scheme

Code Book Construction: Code design / Coding Frame – It describes the locations of variables and lists of code assignments to the attributes composing those variables It serves two essential functions: It is primary guide used in the coding process. It is the guide for locating variables and interpreting the columns in data file during analysis

Coding Process: Transfer sheets / Code Sheets / Master Sheets Edge Coding Punching directly / Direct data entry Errors in Coding: While preparation of the Code Design – Not following basic principles At the time of transcription – Over writing, No clear writing, Misunderstanding of codes, etc. Verification Procedures: Spot Checking – Sample or Census basis Manual or Computer Checking 2 Ways: Valid Coding Range Logical Checks

Tabulation: is the process of summarizing raw data and displaying the same in compact form (i.e., in the form of statistical table) for further analysis When mass data has been assembled, it becomes necessary for the researcher to arrange the same in some kind of concise logical order, which may be called tabulation L.R. Connon, has defined it as “the orderly and systematic presentation of numerical data in a form designated to elucidate the problem under consideration”. Tabulation is essential because: It conserves space and reduces explanatory and descriptive statement to a minimum It facilitates the process of comparison It facilitates the summation of items and the detection of errors and omissions It provides a basis for various statistical computations.

Hand or Manual Tabulation Direct Tally The List and Tally Card, Sort & Count

Merits: Less clerical work and specilised operations Cost will be economical (if tabulation plan is in advance) If cards are punched, hand tabulation is relatively easy and good Errors may be less (if data is less)

Limitations: Would be useful in the case small data Only basic tables can be prepared Further, statistical analysis may be possible to a lesser extent.

Machine Tabulation: Tabulation also can be done through machines, which is quicker and more accurate method. A variety of machines are there for tabulation. Key punch machine – IBM 24 Card Punch Machine Sort / Count Cards Sort / Count & Print the results Computers & Software For all these, coding of data and data cleaning (verification) are very much essential. Tabulation will be done according the wishes of the Researcher keeping in mind the following: The problem under study, Objectives of the study, To fulfill the hypotheses

Preparation of Table: is an art and requires an expert handling. It depends on: The Size and Nature of Data Number of Classes Nature of Comparison Sought Space Available Purpose of Tabulation Some Guideline for Preparation of Tables: Suitable heading should be given. The heading should contain subject matter of the table, time of which it belongs, basis of classification and sources from which it has extracted.

There may be sub-heading. Heading should be the centre of the Table.

Stubs and Captions: Column headings–Stubs and Row headings–Captions Should be given properly. Units of measurement if any, %, Rs. etc. Size of the Columns: Depends upon the size of the space. Proper allocation for all the variables under consideration should be given. Arrangements of Items in Rows: May be alphabetical, Geographical, Historical, Numerical and According to Magnitude. Arrangement of Columns: First Column, generally descriptive in nature More important left side, because eye movement from L to R Comparable items should be given side by side % also should be given with the figures Totals and Grand Total, Foot Notes Types of Tables: One-way, Two-way and Multiple Tables