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Methods of Data Collection

Collection of Secondary Data

those which have already been collected by someone

else and which have already been passed through the statistical process.

Collection of Primary Data

those which are collected afresh and for the first time, and thus happen to be original in character

Methods

Observation: most commonly used method specially in studies relating to behavioural sciences.

Interview: involves presentation of oral-verbal stimuli and reply in terms of oral-verbal responses (personal or by phone).

Questionnaires: a questionnaire consists of a number of questions printed or typed in a definite order on a form or set of forms.

Schedules: like the collection of data through questionnaire, with little difference which lies in the fact that schedules (proforma containing a set of questions) are being filled in by the enumerators who are specially appointed for the purpose.

Secondary

data may either be published data or unpublished data.

Publish: various publications of the central, state are local government, publications of foreign governments or of international bodies organisations, technical and trade journals books, magazines and newspapers, reports and publications of various associations connected with business and industry, banks, stock exchanges, reports prepared by research

scholars, universities, economists, in different fields, public records and statistics, historical documents, and other sources.

Unpublished: diaries, letters, unpublished biographies and autobiographies and also may be

available with scholars and research workers, trade associations, labour bureaus and other public/

private individuals and organizations.

Characteristics to look for before using Secondary Data

Reliability of data: finding out such things about the said data:

Who collected the data? What were the sources of data? Were they collected by using proper methods

Suitability of data:data that are suitable for one enquiry may not necessarily be found

suitable in another enquiry.

Adequacy of data:level of accuracy achieved in data is found inadequate for the purpose

of the present enquiry.

Selection for appropriate method for data coleection

Nature, scope and object of enquiry: This factor is important in deciding whether the data already available (secondary data) are to be used or the data not yet available (primary data) are to be collected.

Availability of funds: determines to a large extent the method to be used for the collection of data.

Time factor: Availability of time has also to be taken into account in deciding a particular method of data collection.

Precision required: each method of data collection has its uses and none is

superior in all situations.

Case study: a form of qualitative analysis where in careful and complete observation of an individual or a situation or an institution is done; efforts are made to study each and every aspect of the concerning unit in minute details and then from case data generalisations and inferences are

drawn.