Workbook Guidelines

• Label all data.
  • Columns should have headers.
  • Worksheets should be named with appropriate names.
  • Any computed values should be labeled
  • Name ranges when appropriate.
• Each original dataset should be contained in a worksheet. This data should be labeled, but otherwise untouched. The worksheet should be named appropriately.
  • If you are dealing with large data sets, maintain the original data in a separate workbook.
  • If your dataset is small, it can be a worksheet in the workbook.
• Each cleaned dataset should be contained in a worksheet. This data should be labeled. This worksheet should be named appropriately.
• Perform each type of analysis in a new worksheet.
  • I like to use one worksheet per data field.
    • So if I have five data fields I am interested in, I will have five sheets with basic analysis, one for each field.
    • Others find this messy, so they use one field.
  • Provide a five number summary when appropriate (real numbers).
  • Provide counts for nominal/ordinal data.
  • Provide frequency tables/charts for other data.
  • Keep any graphs produced with the data used to produce those graphs.
  • Provide a description of the analysis at the top of the worksheet (cell A1 for example)
• Provide an "about" worksheet.
  • Make this the first worksheet.
  • Place your name and course section at the top.
  • Provide a data dictionary
  • For each additional worksheet, provide a brief description of the contents of the worksheet.