Wiki Sumber Informasi iSIKHNAS

We recommend the following approach for working with a new dataset:

1. Save a copy of the original data.
   • Never make changes to the original dataset.
2. Is there data on more than one worksheet in the workbook?
   • Inspect each worksheet.
   • Do not assume that an unnamed worksheet will be empty.
3. Make sure you understand what you have been asked to do.
   • What data will be needed to complete this task?
   • Must all workbook data be processed?
   • Does this workbook represent the complete task, or will additional (similar) workbooks be arriving?
4. Outline the structure of the final structure that will be needed to complete the task.
   • List the headers and data categories.
5. Make a note of the problems or issues that make the original dataset unsuitable for immediate analysis, or that must be changed so that it fits your proposed structure. Look for:
   • dataset not being contiguous (blank rows or columns separating components of the dataset)
   • repeated heading row
   • inappropriately formatted header row
     • multiple header rows
     • merged cells in header rows
   • merged cells in columns
   • repeated columns, or columns containing data that is not needed for the analyses
     • this material does not need processing
   • multiple pieces of information stored in a single column
   • categorical data with inconsistent categories
   • problem data
     • some incorrect data will never be identified
     • some incorrect data will only become obvious once the data summarisation has been completed (this will be the next exercise).