Data Management and Analysis Using JMP

Data Management

Introduction

Why is the data coded? Doesn’t it seem easier to use words that are more descriptive (i.e., diabetes, no diabetes)? There are a number of reasons why data collections, particularly large ones, are coded. Some computer programs, such as Excel, have limited capability for processing alphanumerics. When data is collected on paper (such as from questionnaires), it is more efficient and less error prone to transcribe the data into electronic form using codes. Oftentimes, these codes are assigned from a domain list of values within the collection process, by choosing the corresponding textual definition of the code. Large data collections are often accompanied by a codebook which gives the variable and code definitions. ...