Microsoft Word research method fm doc

Step 5
: Now try a next batch of 20 questionnaires and check if the labels work. Adjust the 
categories and labels, if necessary. 
Step 6
: Make a final list of labels for each category and give each label a code (keyword, 
letter or number). 
Step 7
: Code all your data, including what you have already coded, and enter these codes in 
your master sheet or in the computer. 
Note again that you may include a category ‘others’, but that it should be as small as 
possible, preferably used for less than 5% of the total answers. 
If you categories your responses to open-ended questions in this way you can: 
• 
Analyze the content of each answer given in particular categories, for example, in 
order to plan what actions should be taken (e.g., for health education). Gaining insight 
in a problem, or in possible interventions for a problem, is the most important function 
of qualitative data.
• 
Report the number and percentage of respondents that fall into each category; so that 
you gain insight in the relative weight of different opinions or reasons.
Questions that ask for descriptions of procedures, practices, or beliefs usually do not provide 
quantifiable answers (though you may quantify certain aspects of them). The answers rather 

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Research methodology 
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form part of a jigsaw puzzle that you have to put together in order to obtain insight in your 
problem/topic under study. 
 
IN CONCLUSION,
a plan for the processing and analysis of data may include: 
• 
a decision on whether all or some parts of the data should be processed by hand or 
computer
;
• 
dummy tables
for the description of the problem, the comparison of groups (if 
applicable) and/or the establishment of relationships between variables, guided by the 
objectives of the study;
• 
a decision on the sequence in which tables or data from different study populations 
should be analysed;
• 
a decision on how qualitative data should be analysed;
• 
an estimate of the total time needed for analysis and how long particular parts of the 
analysis will take;
• 
a decision concerning whether additional staff will be required for the analysis; and
• 
an estimate of the total cost of the analysis.