Editing and coding of data are important steps in the research process because raw data collected through questionnaires, interviews, schedules, observations, or other techniques are generally not suitable for direct statistical analysis. Before data can be classified, tabulated, summarized, and statistically tested, the researcher must examine the collected information for accuracy, consistency, completeness, and suitability. Editing refers to the process of examining and correcting the collected data, while coding refers to assigning symbols, numbers, or categories to responses so that they can be systematically classified and analyzed. Both processes help convert raw information into an organized form that can be used for statistical analysis. Editing of data is the systematic examination of collected data to detect errors, omissions, inconsistencies, ambiguities, and irrelevant responses. Data may contain mistakes because respondents may misunderstand questions, fail to answer some questions, provide contradictory information, or give responses that are difficult to interpret. Similarly, errors may arise during interviewing, recording, transcription, or data entry. Editing attempts to identify such problems before analysis begins. The major objective of editing is to improve the quality, accuracy, completeness, and consistency of the information without changing the actual meaning of the respondent's answer. Editing may be carried out at different stages. Field editing is conducted soon after data collection, usually by the field investigator or interviewer. It is often done on the same day or shortly after an interview. The purpose is to identify incomplete answers, unclear entries, missing information, and obvious mistakes while the information is still fresh in the investigator's memory. For example, if an interviewer forgets to record the age of a respondent or writes an unclear response, the information may be verified or corrected immediately where possible. Field editing is particularly useful in large surveys because early correction can prevent the accumulation of errors. Central editing is conducted after the completed questionnaires or schedules have been received at a central location. It is usually performed by trained editors who examine all responses systematically according to predetermined rules. Central editing