Coding and processing data

At an early stage in the planning of a survey a decision should be reached on how the results are to be analysed in terms of both (i) the types of analysis that will be made, and (ii) the data handling methods to be used, including whether or not to use a computer.

Whatever methods of analysis are to be used, data coding is recommended. For quantitative, numerical information this simply means setting out the figures collected on the farm in a convenient layout for further summary and analysis. In the case of qualitative data such as sex of family head, soil type or statements of opinion, coding consists of allocating numbers to each of the alternative possible answers and using these numbers in further analysis rather than the written answers (e.g. a male head might be coded as 1 and a female head as 2). The reason is simply that it is quicker and more convenient to manipulate numbers rather than written answers. Coding tables may be incorporated in schedules and questionnaires, or enumerators may be required to transfer their records to coding sheets daily when they return from field work.

Use of a computer must depend upon whether computing facilities are available. Even where these facilities are available it is by no means certain that the use of a computer is justified.