3. 7. Data processing and
analysis
«Data processing is concerned with classifying responses
into meaningful categories called codes » (Roth, 1989: 58). It consists
of editing, schedules and coding the responds. The data processing began with
editing, coding and finally ended with tabulation.
Nachmias (1976: 143) assert that, data processing is a link
between data collection and data analysis. It involves the transformation of
the observation gathered from the fields into the system of categories and the
transformation of these categories into codes and amenable to quantitative
analysis and tabulation. Not all data can be presented in their entity. The
variables to be presented are those most central to the goals of the study;
generally variables include specifically in the research questions (Bailey,
1978: 321).
Data collected was really in arrow form. It was not easy to
the researcher to present the findings of the study. Therefore, the researcher
had technically processed data before proper analysis was done so as to become
more meaningful for interpretation. Data processing was done in accordance with
general and specific objectives of the research study.
After carrying out interviews with respondents and
questionnaire were collected, they were edited and the information was arranged
in a meaningful and organized form by coding it. The data were analyzed by
using computer program SPSS.
3. 7. 1 Editing
According to Daniel and Gates (1991: 387), editing is the
process of going through the questionnaire to ensure that the `skip patterns'
were followed and required questions are filled out. Editing involves the
inspection and if necessary, connections of each questionnaire or observation
form; the basic purpose of editing is to impose some minimum quality standards
on the raw data (Churchill, 1992:608).
3. 7. 2 Coding
According to Churchill (1992: 612), coding is the procedure by
which data are categorized. Through coding, the raw data are transformed into
symbols usually numerals that may be tabulated and counted. The transformation
is not automatic; however, it involves judgment on the part of coder. Moses and
Kalton (1971: 415), states that the purpose of coding in the survey is to
classify the answers acquired were coded and tallies used to determine the
frequencies of each response. Similar responses would be grouped according to
their different categories. This helped the researcher to know for instance the
percentage of responses on whether there is role of small and medium
enterprises on rural development in Rwanda.
3. 7. 3. Tabulation
According to Selltiz et al. (1965: 406-407), tabulation refers
to the part of technical process on statistical analysis of data that involves
counting to determine the number cases that fall into various categories. Thus
after eliminating errors, codes were assigned to each answer. This stage led to
the construction of statistical tables showing frequency distribution of
answers to questions addressed to respondents. The statistical tables were used
to compare the number of occurrences of each answer to questions asked. Up to
this level, it was through mathematical and statistical tables that the number
of occurrence of each answer in relation to the questions asked was converted
into percentages which made it clear.Each table was accompanied by explanations
about the nature of relationship between the variables that were indicated in
tables.
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