PROCESSING DATA
Editing, Organizing, Coding, Analyzing and Presentation
INTRODUCTION
After collecting relevant information, the next step in the
research process is to process the data
The collected information is usually in rough and an un-
organized form, and therefore also called raw data or data
The main purpose of processing data is to ensure a clean data
Three major steps are taken to clean the data which include
the editing, organizing and coding or tabulation
Necessary data is separated for a better understanding
EDITING DATA
The first step in data treatment or processing is editing in
order to maximize comprehension, and minimize the errors
Misconception and incomplete statements are edited to
enhance the usefulness of information
Primary data collected through Observation and Interview is
refined and necessary additions and omissions are performed
Secondary data is confirmed and is checked for its validity
Wrong information and un-necessary data is removed
ORGANIZING DATA
Once the data and information are edited, the researcher
moves to organize it into a meaningful structure
It brings clarity in comprehension, facilitates in analyzing,
and minimize ambiguities in reporting or communicating
It also helps in identifying deficiencies in data
Images and other graphical data also needs to be separated
Computerized data is usually collected into separate folders
which helps researcher to access or consult easily
CODING AND TABULATING DATA
Clean and error-free data is then coded and tabulated to
classify various aspects of the study
The process of classifying refers to various responses into
meaningful categories
The first level of coding is to make distinction between
Qualitative and Quantitative data
Broad themes are constructed which address major issues in
the study
Coding broad themes helps in developing contents and
chapters of the report
ANALYZING DATA
A critical and difficult step in the research process is analyzing
the data
A better approach is to formulate a framework of analysis
For qualitative analysis and reporting, the researcher decides
his personal style and approach (argumentative/descriptive)
Coded and quantitative data can be analyzed both manually
and mechanically or with the help of computer.
The choice mainly depends on the nature and requirements
of data and research
ANALYZING DATA
Manual Method:
Analyzing data manually is more time consuming but
sometimes it becomes crucial esp. in case of qualitative data
or lack of technical literacy or unavailability of software
Computerized Method:
Relevant computer program saves time on one hand and on
the other it provides more accurate results. Usually it is more
better for statistical data
INTERPRETATION AND GENERALIZATION
Finally the researcher tries to interpret the results and
generalize these on the basis of collected data
Interpretation means conclusion of the study and
Generalization refers to the process of publicizing and
communicating results to others
New theories are constructed and solution is proposed
However, the analysis and interpretation must have the
ability to be reported and communicated (sections include:
results and/or discussion)
PRESENTATION AND REPORTING
The final step in the research process is to present and report
results of the study to the public and target audience
This can be an Oral or Multimedia Presentation, Compiled
Report, or Performance
The most common type of generalization and presentation is
a Scientific Research Report
An Art and Design Project is publicized in the form of
Exhibition or Performance which is most often supported by a
Descriptive Project Report
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