Final answer:
Assigning numerical values to each response on a questionnaire is known as Coding. It is an essential process in categorizing and preparing data for statistical analysis, involving the assignment of numerical codes to qualitative data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assigning numerical values to each response on a questionnaire refers to Coding. Coding is a crucial step in the questionnaire analysis process, allowing data to be systematically organized, interpreted, and input into statistical software for analysis. It transforms qualitative data into a quantitative format that can be statistically evaluated. As part of the coding process, researchers assign numerical values to responses, such as '1' for 'Yes' and '0' for 'No' or more complex numeric codes for a range of multiple-choice options.
In addition to coding, it is important to understand the various levels of measurement that influence how data is analyzed. These levels include:
- Nominal scale level: This level is used for data that cannot be ordered nor can it be used in calculations, such as categorical data.
- Ordinal scale level: Data at this level can be ordered, but differences between data points cannot be measured precisely.
- Interval scale level: This level applies to data with a definite ordering and measurable differences, but with no true zero point or starting point.
- Ratio scale level: The highest level of measurement, this type includes data that can be ordered, with measurable differences and a true zero point, allowing for the calculation of ratios.
Data collected from questionnaires can be analyzed according to these levels to properly apply statistical tests and interpret the results effectively.