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the editing instructions provided to them for the purpose, as well
as the directions given to the interviewers and coders. When
erasing an initial entry for any reason, they should only draw a
single line over it so that it can still be read. They must fill out
the form (if necessary) with entries in a standardised format and
in a distinguishing colour. They should initial any responses they
modify or supply the editor’s initials, and they should note the
date of editing on each filled-out form or schedule.

Editing involves:
a. Raw data is checked for mistakes made by either the
interviewer or the respondent.
b. By reviewing completed interviews from primary research,
the researcher can check several areas of concern.
◆ Editing instructions
c. Asking the proper questions.

d. Accurate recording of answers.
e. Correct screening of respondents.
f. Complete and accurate recording of open-ended questions.

Types of editing
There are different types of editing:

a. Editing for quality: Involves asking the following questions;

◆ are the data forms complete?

◆ are the data free from bias?

◆ are the recordings free from errors?
◆ are the inconsistencies in responses within limits?

◆ are there evidences to show dishonesty of enumerators or
interviewers?

◆ are there any manipulations of data?
b. Editing for tabulation: Involves certain accepted ◆ Modification and
modification to data or even rejecting certain pieces of data in reduction
order to facilitate tabulation. Extremely high or low value data
items may be ignored or bracketed with suitable class intervals.
c. Field editing: It is done by the enumerators. The schedule
filled up by the enumerator or the respondent might have some
abbreviated writings, illegible writings and the like. These are ◆ Enumerator field
rectified by the enumerator. This should be done soon after the review
enumeration or interview before the loss of memory. The field
editing should not extend to giving some guess data to fill up
omissions.

SGOU - SLM - MCom Research Methodology 145