Tabulation

Tabulation.

Tabulation is the process of summarising rows data and displays the data in compact form. In the process of the tabulation, after editing , which ensures that the information on the schedules is accurate and categorised in a suitable form, the data are put together in some kinds of tables and may also undergo some other forms of statistical analysis. That is after assembling the mass of data, the researcher has to arrange the mass of data in some kind of concise and logical order. This procedure is known as tabulation.

Thus, from above fact tabulation is the process of summarising raw data and displaying the data in the compact form I,e in the form of statistical tables) for broader sense can be understood as an orderly arrangement of data in column and rows.

Hence, rows are horizontal arrangement and columns are vertical arrangements. The purpose of tabulation is to simplify the presentation of data to facilitate comparison between related information.

The importance of tabulation.

The some of the important points to be followed in the tabulation process are as follows.

1. This process provides a basis for various statistical computations.
2. This process facilitates the process of comparison.
3. This process facilities the summation of items and the detection of errors and ommissions.
4. This process conserves space and reduced the explanatory and descriptive statement to a minimum.

This process can be done by hand or by using the mechanical or electronic devices. The choice depends on the size and types of the study, cost considerations, time pressure and the availability of tabulating machines or computers.

Hence, tabulations are usually performed in the case of small inquiries and when the size and type of study are small. We have to use the computer for tabulations purpose in case we want quick results, our budget permits their use and we have a large volume of straightforward tabulation involving a number of crosses- breaks.

These data are tabulated in two types .

They are as

1. Simple tabulation.
2. Complex tabulation.

1. Simple tabulation.

Simple tabulation gives information about one or more groups of independent questions. This type of tabulation results in one-way tables which supply the answer to questions about one characteristic of data only.

2. Complex tabulation.

Complex tabulation shows the division of two or more categories, and as such is desired to give information concerning one or more sets of interrelated questions. This type of complex results in two-way tables (giving information about two interrelated characteristics of data), three-way table (giving information about three inter-related characteristics of data or still higher order tables, also known as manifold tables, which supply information about several interrelated characteristics of data.

General rules for tabulation.

Some of the general rules that are to be followed during tabulation process are as listed as below points.

1. The size of the tables should be such that all its contents should be visible at a glance.
2. The table should be given a distinct number to facilitate easy reference.
3. The tables should have column headings (Captions) and how headings (Stubs) of the table should be clear and brief.
4. The tables should have clear concise and adequate title so as to make the table intelligible without reference to the text.
5. Explanatory footnotes, if any, concerning the table, should be placed directly beneath the table, along with the reference symbols used in the table.
6. Source or sources from where the data in the table have been obtained must be indicated just below the table.
7. Usually, the column is separated from one another by lines which make the table more readable and attractive.
8. There should be thick lines to separate the data under one class from the data under another class and the lines separating the subdivisions of the classes should be comparatively thin lines.
9. The columns may be numbered to facilitates reference.
10. Those columns whose data are to be compared should be kept side by side. Similarly, percentage or average must be kept close to the data.
11. It is generally considered better to approximate figures before tabulation as the same would unnecessary details in the table itself.
12. It is important that all columns figures, be properly aligned. Decimal points and (+) and (-) signs should be in perfect alignment.
13. Miscellaneous and exceptional items , if any should be usually placed in the last row of the table.
14. Total of rows should be normally be placed in the extreme right column and that of columns should be placed at the bottoms.

Data cleaning.

Data cleaning is the process of checking the data for consistency and treatment for the missing value. In this processes, preliminary consistency checks are made in editing. Here the consistency is checked in an extensive manner. Consistency checks look for the data which are not considered or outliners. Such data may either be discarded or repeated by mean value. However, the researcher should be careful while doing this extreme value or outlines are not always erroneous. In data editing missing values which are unknown or not answered by the respondents. In place of such missing values, some neutral value may be used. This neutral value may be mean of available values.

The other options could be to use the pattern of respondents to other questions to calculate a suitable substituent to the missing values. So,Data cleaning is the process of checking the data for consistency and treatment for missing value and editing.

Reference

Kerlinger, F.N. Foundation of Behavioural Research. New Delhi: Surjeet Publication, 2000.

Kothari, C.R. Research Methodology. India: Vishwa Prakashan, 1990.

Singh, M.L. and J.M Singh. Understanding Research Methodology. 1998.

Singh, Mrigendra Lal. Understanding Research Methodology. Nepal: National Book centre, 2013.