METHODS OF RECORDING DATA 

Methods of storing information to avoid losing it.

1. Note Taking

-Writing in a note book what is being observed, answers during interviews and then notes are compiled in school or office when writing report.

2. Filling In Questionnaires

-Filling answers in questionnaires which are responses from a respondent by an interviewer or respondent himself which he/she then sends back.

3. Tallying

-Making 4 vertical or slanting strokes and the 5th across the 4 to record data obtained by counting or measuring similar items.

4. Tabulation

-Drawing of tables and filling in data systematically e.g. weather recording sheets.

5. Field Sketching

-Summarizing information observed in the field by making a rough drawing of landscape and labeling the essential information.

6. Mapping/Drawing Maps

-Drawing of a rough map of an area of study and labelling in words or symbols accompanied by key.

7. Tape Recording

-Recording image of an object or landscape on a film which is processed to get a photograph then the photographs are labelled to avoid mix up during storage.

8. Labeling samples

-Recording conversations during interviews on audio tapes using a tape recorder.

Permission should be got from the respondent to record his/her responses.

Advantages

• It’s used if responses are too many to be recorded on a note book.
• It allows smooth flow of discussion as asking respondents to repeat answers would irritate them.