WHAT IS DATA?????

Data are the set of values of qualitative or quantitative

variables about one or more persons or objects.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Data are simply units of information.
Data are measured, collected, reported, analyzed, and
used to create data visualizations such as graphs, tables
or Images.

QUANTITATIVE DATA (NUMERICAL) QUALITATIVE DATA (CATEGORIAL)

Qualitative data is the data that can be arranged into categories
Data refers to measurable observations. based on physical traits, gender, colors or anything that does not
have a number associated with it.
Qualitative-involves more details tells you why, when and how!

Examples-
Examples-

WHAT IS DATA COLLECTION? IN COLLECTING THE DATA,THE RESEARCHER

MUST DECIDE:
It is the process by which the
researcher collects the information
needed to answer the research Which data is to collect?
problem. How to collect the Data?
The task of data collection begins Who will collect the Data?
after a research problem has been
defined. When to collect the Data?

THE PURPOSE OF DATA COLLECTION METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

Essentialy Two Types:

PRIMARY DATA
Primary data are those which are collected for
the first time and are original in character.

SECONDARY DATA
Secondary data are those which have already
been collected-by someone else.
 PRIMARY DATA V/S SECONDARY DATA METHODS OF COLLECTING PRIMARY DATA

Primary
Observation
Data may Surveys
be Interviews
collected Questionnaires
through: Schedules

STEPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE OBSERVATION

1. Observation Method Determine what needs to be observed

Observation method is a method under which data Select participants

from the field is collected with the help of Random/Selected
observation by the observer or by personally going to
the field. Conduct the observation
(venue, duration, recording materials, take photographs )

Compile data collected

Analyze and interpret data collected

TYPES OF OBSERVATION METHODS 3- Participant Observation

When the observer is member of the group which he is
observing then it is Participant Observation.
1- Structured Observation
When the observation is characterized by a careful definition
of the units to be observed (predefined), the style of recording the 4- Non-Participant Observation
observed information, standardized conditions of observation and
the selection of related data of observation. When the observer is not the member of the group
which he is observing then it is Non-Participant Observation.
observer is observing people without giving any
2- Unstructured Observation information to them then it is Non-Paricipant Observation.
When it takes place without the above characteristics.
(Not predefined)

5- Uncontrolled Observation ADVANTAGES OF OBSERVATION METHOD

When the observation takes place in natural contition i.e.,
uncontrolled observation.It is done to get spontaneous picture of
life and persons.
Produces Large quantities of data.

6- Controlled Observation All data obtained from observations are usable.

When observation takes place according to pre-arranged
The observation technique can be stopped or begun at any time.
plans, with experimental procedure then it is controlled observation
generally done in laboratory under controlled condition. Relative Inexpensive
 ONE OF THE WIDELY USED RESEARCH
DISADVANTAGES OF OBSERVATION
METHOD DESIGN TO COLLECT DATA IS
Interviewing selected subjects may provide more
information, economically, than waiting for the
spontaneous occurrence of the situation.

Extensive Training is needed.

SURVEYS
Limited information

HOW TO COLLECT PRIMARY INFORMATION THROUGH 2. SURVEY METHOD

SURVEY
A researcher can collect information
either

by observation
A is a technique of gathering information
by questioning those individuals who are the
object of the research belong to a representative
or
sample, through standardized or questioning
procedure, with the aim of studying the
relationship among the variables and/or collecting
by asking. information that probably describe the whole
population.

WHEN HE/SHE ASKS FOR INFORMATION, WE SAY

THAT HE/SHE IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY.

There may be different ways to conduct

3.INTERVIEW METHOD
Survey
Methods
The Interview Method of collecting data
involves presentation of oral-verbal stimuli
and reply in terms of oral- verbal responses.
Telephonic Personal Electronic
Survey
where the questions are asked personally directly
to the respondent.

In-Home
Interviewer asks questions to respondent.
Computer-Assisted E-mail Internet (which are aimed to get information
Personal Interviewing
required for study)

STEPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE INTERVIEW TYPES OF INTERVIEW METHODS

Prepare interview schedule 1- Structured Interviews :

In this case, a set of predecided questions
Select subjects/ key Respondent are there.

Conduct the interview 2- Unstructured Interviews :

In this case, we follow a system of
pre-determined questions.
Analyze and interpret data collected from the interview
 3- Focused Group Interview
Unstructured and Free flowing 4- Clinical Interviews :
Focus Group has one Moderator Information is generated and utilized at every step this process
including the activities of investigation, observation,
Moderator maintains control and focuses discussion
monitoring, diagnosis, planning, treatment and review.
It involves 6 to 10 people
They also record their plans, orders, procedures performed,
Group interview start with broad topic and focus in on observations, test results, opinions and discussions.
specific issues
Relatively homogeneous
5- Group Interviews :
Similar lifestyles and experiences
It is done in a group of 6 to 8 individuals is interviewed.
Generate discussion and interaction
Listens to what people have to say
Everyone gets a chance to speak

6- Qualitative and quantitative Interviews :

It is divided on the basis of subject matter i.e.,
ADVANTAGES OF INTERVIEW METHOD
whether qualitative or quantitative.
More information at greater
7- Individual Interviews : depth can be obtained
Interviewer meets a single person and
interviews him. Resistance may be overcome by
a skilled interviewer
8- Selection Interviews :
Done for selection of people for certain Jobs. Personal information can be
obtained

4.Questionnaires
DISADVANTAGES OF INTERVIEW METHOD the collection of data, usually in written form,
consisting of open/closed questions and other
enquiries requiring a response from subjects.

It is an expensive Method A Questionnaire is sent ( by post or by mail ) to the

persons concerned with a request to answer the
Interviewer bias questions and return the Questionnaire.

Respondent bias A Questionnaire consists of a number of questions

printed in a definite order on a form.

Time consuming

STEPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE QUESTIONNAIRE TYPES OF QUESTIONNAIRE METHODS

Prepare questions
(Formulate & choose types of questions, order them, write instructions, make copies)
1- Open-ended questions
Select your respondents
This gives the respondents the ability to respond in their own
Random/Selected words.
2- Close-ended or fixed alternative questions
Administer the questionnaire
(date, venue, time )
This allows the respondents to choose one of the given
alternatives.
Tabulate data collected
Types:- Dichotomous questions and Multiple Questions.

Analyze and interpret data collected

ESSENTIALS OF GOOD QUESTIONNAIRE ADVANTAGES OF QUESTIONNAIRE
METHOD
Should be short and simple Low cost even when the universe is large and is widespread
Follow a sequence of questions from easy to difficult one
Technical terms should be avoided Free from interviewer bias
Should provide adequate space for answers in
questionnaire Responddents have adequate time to think through the answers.
Directions regarding filling of questionnaire should be
given Physical Appearance Quality of paper, Color Respondents who are not easily approachable, can also be reached
conveniently.
Sequence must be clear
Large samples can be used

DISADVANTAGES OF QUESTIONNAIRE 5.Schedules

METHOD
Very similar to Questionnaire method
The main difference is that a schedule is
Time consuming filled by the enumerator who is specially
appointed for the purpose.
The respondents need to be educated and cooperative Enumerator goes to the respondents,
asks them the questions from the
This method is slow Questionnaire in the order listed, and
records the responses in the space
Possibility of unclear replies. provided.
Enumerator must be trained in
administering the schedule.

QUESTIONNAIRE VS. SCHEDULE QUESTIONNAIRE VS. SCHEDULE

Questionnaire Schedule
Questionnaire Schedule Very slow method. Information is collected well
Q generally send to through mail Schedule is filled by Incomplete and wrong on time.
and no further assistance from the enumerator or Depends on Honesty of the
sender. research worker. Information is more.
enumerator.
Q is cheaper method. Costly requires field No personal contacts.
Direct personal contacts.
Non response is high. workers. Depends on the quality
of questionnaire. Relatively more correct and
In questionnaire, it is not confirmed Non response is low. complete.
that expected respondent have In schedule identity of Q can used only when
respondent is educated Information can be collected
filled the answers. person is known.
and well cooperative. from illiterates also.

SECONDARY DATA COLLECTION METHODS

Data gathered and recorded by someone else.

Secondary data is data that has been collected for
another purpose.
It involves less cost, time and effort.
Secondary data is data that is being reused. Usually
in a different context.
For example: data from a book.
 EXTERNAL SOURCES
SOURCES OF SECONDARY DATA COLLECTION
EXTERNAL SOURCES OF SECONDARY DATA
Journals
INTERNAL SOURCES
Books
Internal sources of secondary data are usually for
Magazines
marketing application-
Newspaper
Sales Records
Libraries
Marketing Activity
The Internet
Cost Information
Distributor reports and feedback
Customer feedback

SECONDARY DATA SOURCES FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED BEFORE USING

SECONDARY DATA
Other Sources of secondary data collection:
Reliability of data - Who, when , which methods, at what time
Publications of Central, state , local government etc. must be investigated.
Technical and trade journals
Books, Magazines, Newspaper Suitability of data Object ,scope, and nature of original inquiry
should be studied, as if the study was with different objective
Reports & publications of industry ,bank, stock then that data is not suitable for current study
exchange
Reports by research scholars, Universities, Adequacy of data Level of accuracy, Area differences then
economist data is not adequate for study
Public Records

SELECTION OF PROPER METHOD FOR ADVANTAGES OF SECONDARY DATA METHOD

COLLECTION OF DATA
Nature ,Scope and object of inquiry

Availability of Funds

Time Factor

Accuracy Required

DISADVANTAGES OF SECONDARY DATA

METHOD