Step 1: Familiarize yourself with appropriate software

Programs you are likely to come across include:

• SPSS
• SAS
• Minitab
• Excel
• R -

Step 2: Log in your data

Data can come from a number of sources at various stages throughout the research process, so it is well worth keeping a record of your data as it is collected.

Step 3: Screen your data for any potential problems

This includes a preliminary check to see if your data is legible and complete. If done early, you can uncover potential problems not picked up in your pilot, and make improvements to your data collection protocols.

Step 4: Enter the data

There are actually two steps involved in data entry. The first is to define your variables. The second step is to systematically enter your data into a database.

Step 5: Clean the data

This involves combing through the data to make sure any entry errors are found, and that the data set looks in order.