Page 66 - DMGT209_QUANTITATIVE_TECHNIQUES_II

Unit 4: Research Problem

Editing Notes

The main purpose of editing is to eliminate errors and confusion. Editing involves inspection
and correction of each questionnaire. The main role of editing is to identify commissions,
ambiguities and errors in response.

Therefore editing means, the activity of inspecting, correcting and modifying the correct data.

Tabulation of Data

Tabulation refers to counting the number of cases that fall into various categories. The results
are summarized in the form of statistical tables. The raw data is divided into groups and
subgroups. The counting and placing of data in particular group and subgroup are done.
Tabulation involves

1. Sorting and counting
2. Summarizing of data
Tabulation may be of two types (1) simple tabulation (2) cross tabulation. In simple tabulation,
a single variable is counted. Cross tabulation includes 2 or more variables, which are treated
simultaneously. Tabulation can be done entirely by hand or by machine or both hand and
machine.

Summarising the Data

Before taking up summarizing, the data should be classified into (1) Relevant data (2) Irrelevant
data. During the field study, the researcher has collected lot of data which he may think would
be of use. Summarizing the data includes (1) Classification of data (2) Frequency distribution
(3) Use of appropriate statistical tool.

Classification of Data

(a) Number of Groups: Number of groups should be sufficient to record all possible data.
Classification should not be too narrow. If it is too narrow, there can be an overlap.

Example: If a researcher is conducting a survey on “Why the current car owner dislikes
the car”? The car owner may indicate the following:
1. Difficulty in seeking entry to the back seat
2. Interior space
3. Cramped leg room
4. Mileage
5. Rattling of the engine

6. Dickey space
Now all the above data can be classified into 2 or 3 categories such as (1) Discomfort
(2) Expense (3) Pride (4) Safety (5) Design of the car.
(b) Width of the Class Interval: Class interval should be uniform and should be of equal
width. This will give consistency in the data distribution.
(c) Exclusive Categories: Classification made should be done in such a way that, the response
can be placed in only one category.

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