Tabulation arranging data – UGC NET Question

Tabulation involves organising raw data into tables where observations are summarised in rows and columns, often showing frequencies or summary statistics. This step converts unstructured responses into a form that is easier to inspect, compare and analyse statistically. Through tabulation, patterns and relationships in the data become more visible. Because the stem describes arranging data in rows and columns for analysis, it is defining tabulation.

Option A:
Tabulation creates a structured layout that can serve as the basis for graphs, charts and statistical computations. It is a key part of data processing after coding and editing have been completed. The focus on organising data into rows and columns matches the description in the stem, making tabulation the correct answer.

Option B:
Coding is the process of assigning numerical or symbolic codes to responses so that they can be handled by statistical software or summarised efficiently. While coding often precedes tabulation, it does not itself involve arranging data into rows and columns for analysis. Therefore, coding is not the appropriate completion here.

Option C:
Editing refers to checking raw data for completeness, consistency and accuracy, correcting obvious errors before further processing. It ensures data quality but does not primarily reorganise data into analytic tables. Thus, editing does not fit the stem’s definition.

Option D:
Sampling is concerned with selecting a subset of the population for study and occurs before data collection, not in the post-collection processing of data. It does not involve the mechanical arrangement of data into tables. Hence, sampling is not the right term.