METHODS OF RECORDING DATA

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.

See also

BUSH FALLOWING IN WEST AFRICA

MINING

MINERALS IN EAST AFRICA

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN FIELD WORK

MINERALS AND ROCKS