Key points at a glance
- Preserve the original file.
- Use explicit rules for exclusions and recoding.
- Record transformations and the number of cases at each step.
Separate the raw export from working data
Save an untouched export with a date and controlled access. Work on a copy or through a reproducible script. Remove direct identifiers from the analysis file where your data plan requires it.
Specify rules before looking for a preferred result
Decide how to handle missing consent, ineligible respondents, duplicates and incomplete forms. Very short completion time can trigger a review, but is not automatic proof of invalidity. Do not create exclusion rules after seeing an inconvenient result.
Verify coding
Check allowed values, reversed items, multiple-response questions and missing data. Maintain a codebook with variable meanings and changes. Different analyses may use different numbers of cases; state the relevant denominator each time.
Report the data flow
A concise flow might show 154 starts, 132 consents, 119 eligible participants and 112 analysed records. Explain the final seven exclusions. For consequential borderline decisions, consider whether results change when cases are retained.
Final submission context
Formal details can feel like a separate writing task, but they matter just as much for a printed submission. Anything missing, misplaced or inconsistently formatted in the document will also appear in the bound copy.
Use this guide together with your cover page, table of contents, page numbers, source notes and appendices. Prepare the final PDF for printing and binding only after the complete file has been checked.
Practical check before PDF export
- Do headings, chapter structure and page numbers match?
- Are sources, figures and tables included completely?
- Are required elements such as declarations, appendices or the cover page included where required?
- Did you open and check the final PDF after exporting it?
Checklist
- Original export retained securely.
- Exclusion rules documented.
- Codebook and recoding log available.
- Analysis sample sizes traceable.
Common mistakes
- Overwriting the only raw file.
- Dropping cases because results are unwelcome.
- Hiding different sample sizes across analyses.
Prepare the finished thesis for submission
Once the content and university requirements are checked, review your PDF and the available printing and binding options.
Review printing optionsRelated content
Explore related guidance on thesis structure, sources, formatting and final submission.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete incomplete responses?
Use justified, transparent rules; partial records may still contribute to some analyses.
What about outliers?
Check for errors first, then make a documented decision based on design and subject matter.
Must every change appear in the chapter?
Report material rules and counts; permitted details can go in an appendix.