Given an existing data file, a user can develop a CSPro application that will examine the file for inconsistencies, structural defects, or other errors. CSPro permits the user to generate detailed reports on all errors found; the user may also create subfiles from the original data, and may use multiple look-up files during the validation and/or report-generation process.
CSPro users can create data entry forms (screens) for data capture. The application designer has full control over form layout. CSPro supports rosters, consistency checks and skip patterns of unlimited complexity, user-defined messages and menus, multiple lookup files, and produces operator statistics.
Once a case has been completely entered, the operator can modify any part of the existing data and can add or remove information, as well (subject to application constraints).
CSPro supports both dependent and independent verification (double keying) to ensure the accuracy of the data entry operation. Using independent verification, operators can key data into separate data files and use CSPro utilities to compare them. Using dependent verification, operators can key data a second time and have CSPro immediately compare it to what was keyed the first time on a field-by-field basis.
CSPro permits the user to re-structure existing data files and to create subsets of data in separate files. New files can be created by merging two or more case-related files. Data files in software-specific formats may be created for import into spreadsheets and some statistical packages.
The user can create an application to produce frequency distributions or cross-tabulations using two to four variables. Results can be displayed either globally (for the totality of the data file) or according to one or more elements of the geographic hierarchy. Tabulations may show only percentages, or percentages in conjunction with counts. Data may be weighted or unweighted.
When a data file is to be used by more than one person, a CSPro dictionary can be created and distributed among users of the data to facilitate access. Including multiple value sets for variables can cater to the different needs of individual users so that each user's requirements are met.
CSPro provides language elements that will permit the specification of logic to carry out a detailed examination of a data file. Elements of the file may be tested against other elements of the same file or against elements of one or more other files, and the user may generate reports showing the results of the examination. CSPro also provides a facility for comparing the contents of two data files. This utility will generate a detailed report to the user documenting any differences found.
CSPro language elements can be used to construct a series of tests to be carried out on a case-by-case basis using the CSEntry module. Whether adding a new case or modifying an existing case, CSPro instructions permits interactive editing and correction of data elements. If the user desires, a report on editing activity may be generated and saved for printing after the session is completed.
Whether the user is carrying out interactive or batch editing, the CSPro language permits the preparation of reports with detailed information on cases tested, errors found, and errors corrected. These reports are written to disk in text format and may be viewed (or printed) with any text viewer, such as CSPro's utility Text Viewer. They provide documentation of work carried out and permit analysis of types and frequency of errors.