ABSTRACT
This chapter considers both the proportion of free-answer questions and the work of the punch operators who will put the data on tape, punch cards or edge-punched cards. It provides convenient number of questionnaires on a representative basis and copy all the responses to a particular question onto sheets of paper. The coding instructions should lay down some general principles, such as the way to deal with queries, the case-numbering system, the method of coding multiple-answer questions, and even such details as the type and color of the pen or pencil to be used. In most coding operations, the first hundred or so cases will be the slowest and will give rise to the largest proportion of queries. It should also be mentioned that for some questions, typically those used for classificatory purposes, there are probably some well- designed and elaborate coding frames available ready-made.
