RESEARCH Coding (Dr.

Domantay) 14 January 09

Coding A component of data processing Date represented with numerical or other symbols Rapid and flexible storage, retrieval, and tabulation of data Use a computer to encode and store data Coding Prior to Data Collection With the new patient set-up at our hospital, are available services easier to obtain? Easier 1 More difficult 2 Unchanged 3 Dont know 4 Respondent encircles answer With the new patient set-up at our hospital, are available services easier to obtain? Easier __ More difficult __ Unchanged __ Dont know __ Respondent checks blank Codes may be written in a box which appears at the edge of the questionnaire Less eye strain and fatigue Saves time

15

Factual or Listing Codes Recommended for multiple responses To determine the number of respondents giving each response E.g. o Which of the following signs and symptoms were present? 1 present 0 absent o Headache 1 yes 0 no o Vomiting 1 yes 0 no o Nausea 1 yes 0 no o Diarrhea 1 yes 0 no Pattern Codes Also recommended for multiple response questions Combinations E.g. o Headache 1 o Vomiting 2 o Nausea 3 o Diarrhea 4 o Tenesmus 5 o Fever 6 o Headache and vomiting 7 etc. Tips -

Types of Codes Field Codes Actual answers given by the respondents E.g. o ID number o Income o Height o Weight o Parity o Gravidity Entered into the software as is Bracket Codes Resresent a range of numbers E.g. o Variable values code o Age in years 0-4 1 5-9 2 10-14 3
1

Assign numerical codes vs. textual codes o Male 1 or M o Female 2 or F Coding conventions o Dont know 7 o No answer 8 o Not applicable 9 Coding for open-ended questions o Why did you choose to consult at this rural health center? Write your answer on the blank provided. Take a random subsample (10) Answer Code Proximity to my house 1 Accommodating staff 2

The Coding Manual A record of all codes assigned to responses to all questions in the questionnaire

raych_eanne

RESEARCH Coding (Dr. Domantay) 14 January 09

Question

Variable name Name Age

1 2

Variable descripti on Name of subject Age in years

Code type Textual Numeric al

Codes/ values Actual name Actual age 99 no info 1 male 2 female 1 elem 2 HS 3 College 4 others 9 no info 0 not applicabl e

Gender

Educ

Sex of respond ent Educatio nal attainm ent

Numeric al Numeric al

2 raych_eanne