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1. The task of data collection begins after a research problem has been defined and research design/ plan chalked out. While deciding about the method of data collection to be used for the study, the researcher should keep in mind two types of data viz., primary and secondary.

   • The primary data are those which are collected afresh and for the first time, and thus happen to be original in character.
     • The secondary data, on the other hand, are those which have already been collected by someone else and which have already been passed through the statistical process.
       • We collect primary data during the course of doing experiments in an experimental research but in case we do research of the descriptive type and perform surveys, whether sample surveys or census surveys, then we can obtain primary data either through observation or through direct communication with respondents in one form or another or through personal interviews.
         • Observation Method
           • Under the observation method, the information is sought by way of investigator’s own direct observation without asking from the respondent
             • There are several merits of the participant type of observation: (i) The researcher is enabled to record the natural behaviour of the group.
               • (ii) The researcher can even gather information which could not easily be obtained if he observes in a disinterested fashion.
                 • (iii) The researcher can even verify the truth of statements made by informants in the context of a questionnaire or a schedule.
                   • Uncontrolled Observation
                     • If the observation takes place in the natural setting, it may be termed as uncontrolled observation
                       • Controlled Observation
                         • when observation takes place according to definite pre-arranged plans, involving experimental procedure

2. Interview Method

   • The interview method of collecting data involves presentation of oral-verbal stimuli and reply in terms of oral-verbal responses.
     • Personal Interview
       • Personal interviews: Personal interview method requires a person known as the interviewer asking questions generally in a face-to-face contact to the other person or persons.
         • This sort of interview may be in the form of direct personal investigation or it may be indirect oral investigation.
           • The method of collecting information through personal interviews is usually carried out in a structured way. As such we call the interviews as structured interviews. Such interviews involve the use of a set of predetermined questions and of highly standardised techniques of recording.
             • The unstructured interviews are characterised by a flexibility of approach to questioning. Unstructured interviews do not follow a system of pre-determined questions and standardised techniques of recording information.
               • The major advantages and weaknesses of personal interviews
                 • Advantages:More information and that too in greater depth can be obtained. (ii) Interviewer by his own skill can overcome the resistance, if any, of the respondents; the interview method can be made to yield an almost perfect sample of the general population. (iii) There is greater flexibility under this method as the opportunity to restructure questions is always there, specially in case of unstructured interviews.
                   • Weaknesses
                     • It is a very expensive method, specially when large and widely spread geographical sample is taken. (ii) There remains the possibility of the bias of interviewer as well as that of the respondent; there also remains the headache of supervision and control of interviewers. (iii) Certain types of respondents such as important officials or executives or people in high income groups may not be easily approachable under this method and to that extent the data may prove inadequate.
                       • Pre-requisites and basic tenets of interviewing
                       • For successful implementation of the interview method, interviewers should be carefully selected, trained and briefed.

3. Telephone Interview

   • This method of collecting information consists in contacting respondents on telephone itself. It is not a very widely used method, but plays important part in industrial surveys, particularly in developed regions.
     • The chief merits of such a system are
       • It is more flexible in comparison to mailing method. 2. It is faster than other methods i.e., a quick way of obtaining information. 3. It is cheaper than personal interviewing method; here the cost per response is relatively low.
         • But this system of collecting information is not free from demerits. Some of these may be highlighted.
           • Little time is given to respondents for considered answers; interview period is not likely to exceed five minutes in most cases. 2. Surveys are restricted to respondents who have telephone facilities. 3. Extensive geographical coverage may get restricted by cost considerations.
             • QUESTIONNAIRES
               • In this method a questionnaire is sent (usually by post) to the persons concerned with a request to answer the questions and return the questionnaire.