Quantitative Data Management
Chapter 18
Quantitative Data Management
Data Management
You should review data as soon as it is collected in order to check for:
Consent forms are complete and signed
No duplicate identification numbers were given
No data is missing
Scoring was done correctly
Handwriting is legible
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Managing the Data
In order to more efficiently manage the data consider:
Setting up a tracking system
Keeping data secure
Developing a filing system for your data
Ensuring each file is complete
Coding items as needed
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Selecting the Software for the Database
When thinking about what software you need consider:
Is your data quantitative, qualitative, or both?
How will you analyze the data?
Will the data analysis be simple or complex?
How do you want to present your results?
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Selecting the Software for the Database
When thinking about what software you need consider:
Is there support for the software?
What is the cost of the software?
Is the software compatible with your system?
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Database Creation
Pilot test the software if never used before
Develop a codebook
Create the database
Input the data
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Considerations in Building a Database
Think ahead to how you will use the data
Provide meaningful names for variables
Put accuracy checks in place
Test the database with preliminary analysis
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