Page 154 - SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY

en simple and clear captions and stubs.

e. Ruling: Columns and rows should be divided by means of
thin or thick rulings.

f. Arrangement of items: Comparable figures should be ar-
ranged side by side. The arrangement of the categories in
a table may be chronological, geographical, alphabetical or
according to magnitude to facilitate comparison. Above all,
the table must suit the needs and requirements of an investi-
gation.
g. Special emphasis: This can be done by writing important data
in bold or special letters. In order to emphasise the relative
significance of certain categories, different kinds of type,
spacing and indentations may be used.

h. Unit of measurement: The unit of measurement under each
head and sub-head should be noted below the lines.
i. Approximation: This should be noted below the title.

j. Foot-notes: Explanatory footnotes, if any, concerning the ta-
ble should be placed directly beneath the table, along with the
reference symbols used in the table,
k. Sources: Source or sources from where the data in the table
have been obtained must be indicated just below the table.

l. Totals: Total of rows should normally be placed in the ex-
treme right column and that of columns should be placed at
the bottom.

Thus, these methods of data processing which includes
editing, coding, classification, and tabulation of data is required
to transforms raw data into meaningful information, enabling
researchers to gain insights, validate hypotheses, and make
informed decisions based on evidence.

Summarised Overview

Data, which is in the form of raw facts and figures, need to be processed for converting
it into information in order to be used by the interested parties. Data processing is a
series of actions or steps performed on data to verify, organise, transform, integrate, and
extract data in an appropriate output form for subsequent use.

Data processing involves methods such as editing, coding, classification, tabulation,
and analysis of data. Editing is the process of examining the data collected through
questionnaires or any other method. Coding is the process of categorising data

148 SGOU - SLM -MCom Research Methodology