Microsoft Word research method fm doc

 Data quality checks at the time of the interview: 
There are several ways of checking the quality of data. Some are given below: 
• To examine consistency of data, two or more questions are asked at the beginning 
and these same questions are asked at the end. This helps to find out their 
consistency in the response. 
• Repeat the question in another form to avoid doubts 
• Use strict supervision and checking on the spot and re-interviewing 
• For data completeness, check right at the end of the interview 
• Check for odd answers given 

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 Confidentiality of information 
• Should be stated right on the top of the first page of the questionnaire 
• If possible, use code numbers instead of names 
• The purpose of the study should be explained at the beginning 
• The respondent has the right not to be interviewed 
6.10 Plan for data processing and analysis 
Data processing and analysis should start in the field, with checking for completeness of the 
data and performing quality control checks, while sorting the data by instrument used and by 
group of informants. Data of small samples may even be processed and analyzed as soon as 
it is collected. 
Why is it necessary to prepare a plan for processing and analysis of data? 
Such a plan helps the researcher assure that at the end of the study: 
• 
all the information (s)he needs has indeed been collected, and in a standardized way;
• 
(s)he has not collected unnecessary data which will never be analyzed.
The plan for data processing and analysis must be made after careful consideration of the 
objectives of the study as well as of the tools developed to meet the objectives. The 
procedures for the analysis of data collected through qualitative and quantitative techniques 
are quite different. 
• 
For quantitative data the starting point in analysis is usually a description of the data 
for each variable
for all the study units included in the sample. Processing of data may 
take place during data collection or when all data has been collected; description and 
analysis are usually carried out after the fieldwork has been completed.
• 
For qualitative data it is more a matter of describing, summarizing and interpreting 
the data obtained for each study unit (or for each group of study units). Here the 
researcher starts analyzing while collecting the data so that questions that remain 

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unanswered (or new questions which come up) can be addressed before data 
collection is over.
Preparation of a plan for data processing and analysis will provide you with better insight into 
the feasibility of the analysis to be performed as well as the resources that are required. It 
also provides an important review of the appropriateness of the data collection tools for 
collecting the data you need. That is why you have to plan for data analysis before the pre-
test. When you process and analyze the data you collect during the pre-test you will spot 
gaps and overlaps which require changes in the data collection tools before it is too late!