What is Data Processing?

Data processing is simply the conversion of raw data to meaningful information through a process.
Data is manipulated to produce results that lead to a resolution of a problem or improvement of an
existing situation. Similar to a production process, it follows a cycle where inputs (raw data) are fed to
a process (computer systems, software, etc.) to produce output (information and insights).

DATA PROCESSING AND STATISTICAL TREATMENT

Data processing involves:

Input – it involves the responses from the research instrument by the subjects of the study.

Throughput – it includes statistical procedures and techniques.

Output – the results of the study which are presented in data matrix form.

Data processing
It consists of three basic steps:

Categorization of data

It refers to the grouping of subjects under study according to the objectives or purposes of the
study.
Five rules in categorizing research information by Kerlinger:
1. Categories are set up according to the research problem.
2. The categories are exhaustive.
3. Each category is derived from one classification principle.
4. The categories are mutually exclusive and independent.
5. Any categorization scheme must be one level of discourse.
Coding of data – Information from the questionnaire, tests, interview schedules, rating scale
and many others must be transformed into coded items to facilitate tabulation of data.
Tabulation of data – this is done by tallying and counting the raw data to arrive at a frequency
distribution and to facilitate in organizing them in a systematic order in a table or several tables.
Data matrix
- Presentation of data in tabular form
3 Types of Data Matrices
Univariate matrix – involves only one variable.

Bivariate matrix – involves two variables.

Multivariate matrix – has three or more variables in the table.

Dummy tables
- Are helpful in preparing for the data matrix because they are used in planning,
summarizing, organizing and analyzing the data on how the different variables differ with each
other.
Statistical Treatment
- It is a must that researchers diagnose the problem by using the appropriate statistical
tool to arrive at accurate and definite interpretation of results.
Incorrect Statistical Tool
- Percentage is incorrect or inappropriate statistical tool to scale options due to vague
interpretation of results.
Univariate Statistical Treatment
- The appropriate statistical tool for univariate problem is the weighted arithmetic mean
and the like.

Bivariate Statistical Treatment in Experimental Research

- The statistical tools for bivariate problem in experimental research are t-test and linear
correlation.
Bivariate Statistical Treatment in Descriptive Research
- The statistical tool used in bivariate descriptive research problems are z-test and linear
correlation.