QUANTIFYING DATA

1
QUANTIFYING DATA

• Quantitative analysis requires researchers code
  their data.
• Codes makes it possible to store data in
  computers.
• Computers are critical in social research --
  allows researchers to process and analyze large
  data sets.

2

• Non numerical answers that derive from open ended
  questionnaires must be coded before analysis.
• Coding scheme makes it possible to compare your
  results with those of other studies.

3

• Coding scheme should reflect your theoretical
  concepts.
• Always code your data in greater detail than you
  plan to use in your analysis.

4

• DEVELOPING CODE CATEGORIES
• Use existing coding scheme. If none is available,
  develop one.
• Choice of codes should reflect your research
  purpose.
• Code categories should be exhaustive and mutually
  exclusive

5

• CODE CONSTRUCTION
• Codebook -- describes the location of variables
  and presents codes to the attributes composing
  those variables.
• Functions of a code book
• a) Guide in the coding process
• b) helps in locating variables and interpreting
  codes during analysis.

6

• Every code-book should contain the full
  definition of the variables.
• The codebook also indicates the attributes
  composing each variable.
• Each attribute should have a numeric label. Eg.
  1. strongly agree 2. agree 3. Neutral etc.

7
EXERCISE

• On a clean piece of paper, answer the following
  question and hand it to me.
• What is the major problem(s) facing WKU today?

8
Codebook Information
9
Remember these questions????

• How many courses have you taken in sociology
  prior to the present semester?
• How many siblings do you have?
• What is your academic standing?
• What is your age?
• What is your gender?