12.1 Review Questions
(A) With measurement error, the information source is fundamentally flawed. With processing error, the error comes after data have
been collected, during data handling.
(B) Types of data entry errors: transpositions, copying errors, coding errors, rounding errors consistency errors, range errors.
(C) Ways to minimize data entry errors: (1) manual checking (i.e., compare data entered against original sources) , (2) range and
consistency checking (e.g., via check codes), (3) screen data for outliers during analysis, (4) double entry and validation.
(D) QES files are used to define variables and set up your data entry screen.
(E) REC files
(F) Types of data to include in a codebook: (1) Historical information about the data (e.g., date the initial data file was create and or
last modified), (2) variable names, (3) variable structure (e.g., length and types), (4) codes used for data (5) units of measure used in variables
(G) Because natural and other disasters (e.g., fires, floods, theft) occur. If the back-up copy of the data file were kept on-site, it would
be destroyed along with the master file.
(H) The main function of a code book is to allow other programmers and analysts to decipher the data file. Thus, the code book
contains information on variable names, variable types, variable structure, coding schemes, data labels, etc.
12.3 Grading key for exercise
[1 pt] .QES file present and properly formatted
[1 pt] .CHK file present with appropriate check codes
[1 pt] .REC file present and of proper structure
[1 pt] Variable names are correct and exactly as specified
[1 pt] Variable types are correct and exactly as specified
[4 pt] Data are error-free - graded on a 4 point scale
[1 pt] Data documentation is adequate, either as a code book or file structure .not