METHODS OF RECORDING DATA
Methods of storing information to avoid losing it.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tallying
-Making 4 vertical or slanting strokes and the 5th across the 4 to record data obtained by counting or measuring similar items.
- Tabulation
-Drawing of tables and filling in data systematically e.g. weather recording sheets.
- Field Sketching
-Summarizing information observed in the field by making a rough drawing of landscape and labeling the essential information.
- Mapping/Drawing Maps
-Drawing of a rough map of an area of study and labelling in words or symbols accompanied by key.
- 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.
- 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
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN FIELD WORK