Entering Data

• After the data from your study has been collected, it must then be entered into a statistical package for analysis.

• You should first create a codebook with what you were looking for and codes for the actions of the unit of observation. This makes the statistical results make sense.

• On the statistical package that you are working in, the record must be created.
  • This means imputing the observation category and the results of your observation.
  • The computer will then set up the columns for data entry.

• The data then can be entered into the program by typing the coded data into the appropriate box for each case. Each case should be numbered to make checking easier.

• The data should be checked for coding errors.
  • You must make sure that all coding falls within the valid range for that question.
  • Finally, you must check to see that all the responses are logical. This means simply seeing if the responses are reasonable for the question.