Question 1

The data preparation process begins after the fieldwork is done.

Accepted Answer

Data preparation is a preliminary step in the research process, involving the cleaning and organizing of data before analysis, and can begin as soon as initial data is collected, not necessarily after all fieldwork is done.

Question 2

Data preparation should only begin once all batches of questionnaires are received from the field.In this way,processing uniformity is boosted.

Accepted Answer

Data preparation can begin as soon as the first batch of questionnaires is received from the field. This allows for early identification and resolution of data quality issues, which can save time and effort in the long run. However, it is important to ensure that all batches of questionnaires are received and processed in a consistent manner to maintain uniformity.

Question 3

The final data analysis plan should never differ from the preliminary plan for data analysis.

Accepted Answer

The final data analysis plan may differ from the preliminary plan for data analysis if unexpected issues with the data arise or if the research questions change during the course of the study. However, any changes made to the data analysis plan should be carefully considered and documented to ensure the validity and reliability of the study's results.

Question 4

Data should be coded in a lean way in order to avoid retaining much detail.

Accepted Answer

Coding data in a lean way should focus on efficiency and clarity, but it should not necessarily mean losing important details that could be crucial for analysis or understanding.

Question 5

According to the text,the symbols used in the assignment of codes to each possible response to each question is usually a number.

Accepted Answer

The text states that "the symbols used for assigning codes to each possible response are usually numbers."

Question 6

Only software programs developed for the research industry should be used to enter data,not programs such as Microsoft EXCEL.

Accepted Answer

While specialized software programs developed for research may offer more specific features for data management and analysis, it is not entirely true that only those programs should be used. Microsoft Excel is a commonly used and versatile program that can also be utilized for research data entry and analysis. However, it is important to ensure that proper validation checks and quality control measures are in place to ensure data accuracy and integrity.

Question 7

Coding unstructured questions is relatively simple,since the response options are predetermined.

Accepted Answer

Coding unstructured questions is actually more complex as there are no predetermined response options and therefore require more interpretation and analysis of the respondent's answer.

Question 8

Deleting the question from the survey is an alternative for the treatment of unsatisfactory responses.

Accepted Answer

Deleting a question from a survey is not an ethical or effective way to address unsatisfactory responses as it can lead to biased and incomplete data. Instead, researchers should analyze and report all responses, even those that are unsatisfactory, and use statistical techniques to address missing data.

Question 9

A book containing coding instructions and the necessary information about variables in the data set is called a codebook.

Accepted Answer

A codebook contains coding instructions and necessary information about variables in a data set.

Question 10

Unsatisfactory responses from collected data may be discarded when the proportion of unsatisfactory respondents is 20 percent to 30 percent.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Unsatisfactory responses from collected data may be...

Question 11

Data cleaning is the last stage of the data preparation process.

Accepted Answer

Data cleaning is typically one of the initial stages in the data preparation process, as it involves identifying and correcting errors or inconsistencies in the data before further analysis or processing.

Question 12

A code in which the number of records for each respondent is the same and the same data appear in the same columns for all respondents is called a fixed field code.

Accepted Answer

A fixed field code requires a consistent structure where the data is organized in the same columns for all respondents, and the number of records for each respondent is the same.

Question 13

The assignment of a symbol to represent a specific response to a specific question,along with the data record and column position that symbol will occupy,is called coding.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately defines coding.

Question 14

Categories are collectively exhaustive if each response fits into one and only one category code.

Accepted Answer

Categories are collectively exhaustive if every possible response fits into at least one category, not necessarily only one.

Question 15

If possible,standard codes should be used for missing data.

Accepted Answer

Using standard codes for missing data helps in maintaining consistency, accuracy and avoiding errors during data analysis.

Question 16

According to the text,the data preparation process begins with checking the questionnaires for completeness.

Accepted Answer

The text states that the data preparation process begins with checking the questionnaires for completeness.

Question 17

According to the text,category codes should be collectively exhaustive and mutually exclusive.

Accepted Answer

Category codes should be collectively exhaustive, meaning that they cover all possible options without overlap, and mutually exclusive, meaning that each option falls into only one category. This ensures that all items can be accurately classified and prevents confusion or inconsistency in data analysis.

Question 18

At the editing stage,the researcher makes a preliminary check for consistency.

Accepted Answer

At the editing stage, the researcher checks for consistency in various aspects such as formatting, language, punctuation, and citation style to ensure the paper is coherent and readable.

Question 19

Coding consists of screening questionnaires to identify illegible,incomplete,inconsistent,or ambiguous responses.

Accepted Answer

Coding involves assigning numerical or symbolic codes to responses for data analysis, not screening questionnaires for errors.

Question 20

A review of the questionnaires with the objective of increasing accuracy and precision is called editing.

Accepted Answer

Editing involves reviewing questionnaires and correcting any errors or inconsistencies to increase accuracy and precision.

Quiz 15: Data Preparation and Analysis Strategy