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An Overview of  Research Design:  13. Data Preparation
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See Also:  An Overview of Methods
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See Also:  Research Design
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1.  Selecting a Topic:   Finding the topic is the first step in research design
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2.  Formulate the Thesis
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3.  Choose the Types of Analyses
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4.   Research & Write a Literature Review & Refine the Thesis
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5. Formulate Research Objectives ( ROs ) from the Types of Analysis ( TOA )
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6. Conceptualization of the topic
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7.  Choose the methodology / the Research Instrument
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8. Operationalization
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9.  Formulate the Data Collection Strategy
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10.    Obtain HIC Approval
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11.  Perform a Pilot Study:  the Senior Project is a Pilot Study & so no addition study will be required
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12.  Collect Data utilizing efficient, effective & ethical methodological practices
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13.  The Preparation of Data for processing & analysis is determined by the type of data collected 
        by the Research Instruments in that Data Prepartionn is quite different for surveys & content analysis, etc.
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       In this step, the research Prepares the Data for processing & analysis
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       This step will vary widely depending on the type of Research Instrument:  survey, content analysis, etc.
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       For surveys, & other types of Instruments that require statistical analysis, common data prep includes:
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              Reversing scores on questions
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             Dealing w/ missing data
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             Collapsing ranges
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             Combining questions
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The Preparation of the Data of the survey goes through THREE Steps
       a.  Precoding
       b.  Coding
       c.  Construct the Data Matrix
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a. Precoding
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For a survey, interview, content an, obs, etc
   it is best to begin coding before the research action is carried out
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Precoding involves
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a.  Attaching a number code to each response alternative 
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b.  Designating a location for every question item
     where the coded response to that item will eventually
     be stored in a data matrix
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As you design, the survey, interview plan, etc.
     codes are printed next to each possible response
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b. Coding
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Open ended items cannot be completely precoded
    except for anticipated answers
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Unanticipated answers must be coded as they are encountered
This procedure is almost identical to the process of content analysis
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See Also:  Content Analysis
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For closed-end questions which are precoded
   carefully fill in the appropriate codes in the Data Matrix
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Coding should NOT be left until all the data is gathered
   because problems w/ the research instrument
   or the precoding need to be discovered & corrected ASAP
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Thus, coding should be done as part of the Pilot Study
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c. The Data Matrix ( DM )
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A DM is a graph of rows & columns which form cells
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Usually each row applies to one respondent & each column represents one question
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Thus, the DM contains all the respondents & all of their responses
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Reading across any row, gives all the responses given by one respondent
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Reading down any column, gives all the responses to any one question
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14.  Process & Analyze Data
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15.  Interpret & make Inferences about Data
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16.  Write the Final Report
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17.  Write Final HIC Report
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The End