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Hand Tab Definition

A manual count of answers on a questionnaire.

A hand tab, otherwise known as hand tabulation, is a hand count of answers on a questionnaire. In marketing research, it is the manual process of collecting, organizing and analyzing data from surveys, questionnaires and other data-collection sources. Included in the process is entering data into a spreadsheet or software by hand, instead of automated methods. This method can be time consuming, although it is generally relied upon in smaller-scale research projects. That said, hand tabulation offers a hands-on approach to data analysis that provides meticulous review and quality control.

Who relies on the hand tab?

Researchers, marketing professionals and organizations with limited resources or conducting studies on a smaller scale use hand tabulation. The method also is relied upon when time constraints make automated data analysis methods less feasible.

Why should I care about a hand tab?

Hand tab provides an alternative when automated tools are not viable for collecting, organizing and analyzing data from surveys, questionnaires and other data-collection sources. The method can maintain control over data entry and analysis processes and can save resources on certain projects. Most marketing research today uses digital tools for speed and scale.