[A continuous eco-pathological survey: data coding and checking procedure (author's transl)].

Abstract

An effective data-base requires homogeneity, versatility and comprehensiveness. In this article, general rules of coding and particular schedules for the main data of the Eco-Pathological Survey are presented. The prevention of erroneous entries in a data-base is an essential safety measure to ensure that calculations and conclusions are valid. With this in mind, error checking programs have been developed in relation to the Eco-Pathological data-base. The system and results of this control procedure are described and discussed with respect to the coding of 10,800 cards. In the "Annual Reports" 1.24% of entries were found to be erroneous and 0.19% of other data (nutrition, numbers of animals, overall disease picture, analysis results) was also incorrect. A second control covering 10% of the cards enabled the detection of a number of "remaining errors" (impracticable to check). Thus although 0.048% of the "Annual Reports" data and 0.29% of other data remain erroneous the data-base is well protected (low percentages). The "remaining errors" are linked with the data-handling system and this must be accepted as the minimum remaining inaccuracy.