Using examples, explain transcription and computational errors committed during data processing.

Transcription and computational errors are common types of errors that occur during data processing.

1. Transcription Errors: Transcription errors occur when data is being transferred from one medium to another, such as from a paper document to a digital file. This can happen due to human error, such as misreading, mistyping, or misunderstanding the information.

For example, let's say a researcher is transcribing survey results from paper to a spreadsheet. If the researcher misreads a respondent's handwriting and records a 3 instead of an 8, that's a transcription error. Similarly, if the researcher accidentally types 100 instead of 1000, that's also a transcription error. These errors can significantly impact the accuracy of the data and, consequently, any analysis or conclusions drawn from it.

2. Computational Errors: Computational errors occur during the calculation or manipulation of data. These can be due to software bugs, incorrect formulas, or human error in setting up calculations.

For example, suppose a financial analyst is using a spreadsheet to calculate the total sales for a company. If the analyst uses a formula that incorrectly adds the sales figures (for instance, by accidentally excluding a column of data), the total sales figure will be incorrect. This is a computational error. Similarly, if a software program has a bug that causes it to calculate a mathematical function incorrectly, any data processed using that function will be incorrect.

Both types of errors can significantly impact the results of data processing and analysis, leading to incorrect conclusions and decisions. Therefore, it's important to have processes in place to check for and correct these errors.