STUDY MATERIAL

Chapter 2 - Collection of Data

• Primary Source of Data It implies collection of data from its source of

origin.
• Secondary Source of Data It implies collection of data from some
agency or institution which already happens to have collected the data
through statistical survey.

Types of Data There are two types of data

• Primary Data collected by the investigator himself for his own purpose
for the first time, from beginning to end are called primary data.
• Secondary Data These data have already been collected by somebody
else, these are available in the form of published or unpublished report.

Principal Differences between Primary and Secondary Data

The fundamental differences between primary and secondary data are

discussed in the following points:

1. The term primary data refers to the data originated by the researcher for
the first time. Secondary data is the already existing data, collected by
the investigator agencies and organisations earlier.
2. Primary data is a real-time data whereas secondary data is one which
relates to the past.
3. Primary data is collected for addressing the problem at hand while
secondary data is collected for purposes other than the problem at
hand.
4. Primary data collection is a very involved process. On the other hand,
secondary data collection process is rapid and easy.
5. Primary data collection sources include surveys, observations,
experiments, questionnaire, personal interview, etc. On the contrary,
secondary data collection sources are government publications,
websites, books, journal articles, internal records etc.
 6. Primary data collection requires a large amount of resources like time,
cost and manpower. Conversely, secondary data is relatively
inexpensive and quickly available.
7. Primary data is always specific to the researcher’s needs, and he
controls the quality of research. In contrast, secondary data is neither
specific to the researcher’s need, nor he has control over the data
quality.
8. Primary data is available in the raw form whereas secondary data is the
refined form of primary data. It can also be said that secondary data is
obtained when statistical methods are applied to the primary data.
9. Data collected through primary sources are more reliable and accurate
as compared to the secondary sources.

BASIS FOR
PRIMARY DATA SECONDARY DATA
COMPARISON

Meaning Primary data refers to the Secondary data means data

first hand data gathered by collected by someone else
the researcher himself. earlier.

Data Real time data Past data

Process Very involved Quick and easy

Source Surveys, observations, Government publications,

experiments, questionnaire, websites, books, journal
personal interview, etc. articles, internal records etc.

Cost effectiveness Expensive Economical

Collection time Long Short

Specific Always specific to the May or may not be specific to

researcher's needs. the researcher's need.

Available in Crude form Refined form

 BASIS FOR
PRIMARY DATA SECONDARY DATA
COMPARISON

Accuracy and More Relatively less

Reliability

Statistical Methods of Data Collection

(i) Direct Personal Investigation
It is the method by which data are personally collected by the investigator from
the information. Merits and demerits of this method are follows.
(a) Merits

• Originality
• Reliability
• Uniformity
• Accuracy
• Related information
• Elastic
• Allows all types of question
(b) Demerits

• Difficult to cover wide areas

• Costly
• Personal bias
• Limited coverage
• Take more time

(ii) Indirect Oral Investigation

It is the method by which information is obtained not from the persons
regarding whom the information is needed. It is collected orally from other
persons who are expected to possess the necessary information.
Or
Data is collected from third parties who have information about subject of
enquiry. Merits and demerits of this method are given below

(a) Merits

• Wide coverage
• Expert opinion
• Simple
• Less expensive
• Free from bias

(b) Demerits

• Less accurate
• Doubtful conclusions
• Biased

Difference between 'direct personal investigation' and 'indirect oral

investigation':
• Direct personal investigation:
• 1. In this investigation, the data collected is original in manner.
• 2. The field of the investigation will be limited
• 3. The information is highly reliable.
• Indirect oral investigation:
• 1. In this investigation, the method of collecting data may lead to false
conclusions.
• 2. The field of investigation can be large.
• 3. The information can be wrong or biased.

(iii) Information from correspondents or local sources

Data is collected from agents appointed in the area of investigation.
Merits and demerits of this method are given below
(a) Merits
 • Economical
• Wide coverage
• Continuity
• Suitable for special purpose
(b) Demerits

• Loss of originality
• Lack of uniformity
• Personal bias
• Less accurate
• Delay in collection
(iv) Mailed Questionnaire
Data is collected through questionnaire (list of questions) mailed to the
informant
The method is most suited when

• The area of the study is very wide.

• The informants are educated.

Advantages Disadvantages
Least expensive Long response time
Only method to reach remote Cannot be used by illiterates
areas
Informants can be influenced Doubts cannot be cleared
regarding questions

(v) Questionnaire filled by enumerators

Data is collected by trained enumerators who fill questionnaires.
This method is mostly used when

• field of investigation is large.

 • the investigation needs specialised and skilled investigation.
• the investigators are well versed in the local language and cultural norms
of the informants.
(VI) Telephonic interviews
Data is collected through an interview over the telephone with the interviewer.
Advantages Disadvantages

Relatively low cost Limited use

Relatively high response rate Reactions cannot be watched

Less influence on informants Respondents can be influenced

Questionnaire: - A list of questions with space for answers

Qualities of a good questionnaire:

1. A covering latter with objectives and scope of survey

2. Minimum number of questions

3. Avoid personal questions

4. Question should be clear and simple.

5. Question should be logically arranged

Pilot survey: - Try-out of the questionnaire on a small group to find its short
comings
.(c) Collection of Secondary Data There are two main sources of
secondary data

• Published sources
• Unpublished sources

(d) Published Sources Some of the published source of secondary data are

• Government publication
• Semi-government publication
• Reports of committees and commissions
• Publications of trade associations
• Publication of research institutions
• Journals and papers
• Publication of research scholars
• International publication

(e) Unpublished Sources These data are collected by the government

organisations and others, generally for their self use or office record.

• In order to assess the reliability, suitability and adequacy of the data, the
following points must be kept in mind
• Ability of the collecting organisation
• Objective and scope
• Method of collection
• Time and condition of organisation
• Definition of the unit
• Accuracy

(v) Census ‘Method

Census method is that method in which data are collected covering every item
of the universe or population relating to the problem under investigation.
Merits and demerits of this method are given follows
(a) Merits

• Reliable and accurate

• Less biased
• Extensive information
• Study of diverse characteristic
• Study of complex investigation
• Indirect investigation

(b) Demerits

• Costly
• Large manpower
• Not suitable for large investigation

(vi) Sample Method

It is that method in which data is collected about the sample on a group of
items taken from the populations for examination and conclusions are drawn
on their basis. Merits and demerits of this method are given below
(a) Merits

• Economical
• Time saving
• Identification of error
• Large investigation
• Administrative convenience
• More scientific

(b) Demerits

• Partial
• Wrong conclusions
 • Difficulty in selecting representative sample
• Difficulty in framing a sample
• Specialised knowledge

Difference between census method and sampling method

Census method Sampling method

Every unit of population studied Few units of population are studied
Reliable and accurate Less reliable and accurate results
Expensive method Less expensive method
Suitable when population is of Suitable when population is of
homogenous nature heterogeneous nature
Methods of Sampling
(i) Random Sampling: - Random sampling is that method of sampling in
which each and every item of the universe has equal chance of being selected
in the sample

Random sampling may be done in any of the following ways

• Lottery method

•
• Tables of random number

(ii) Non-random sampling- it is a sampling method in which all the items do

not have an equal chance of being selected and judgment of the investigator
play an important role
Reliability of Sampling Data
It depends mainly on the following factors

• Size of the sample

• Method of sampling
• Bias of correspondents and enumerators
• Training of enumerators

Important agencies at the national level which collect process and tabulate the
statistical data. NSSO (National Sample Survey Organisation), RGI (Registrar
General of India), DGCIS (Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and
Statistics) and Labour Bureaus.

Census of India – it provides complete and continuous demographic record

of population
National sample survey organization – it conducts surveys on socio-
economic issues
Sarvekshana – Quarterly journal published by NSSO.

ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS
Q.1 What are the main sources of data?
Q.2 Which of the two types of data are collected for a definite purpose
Q.3 What is pilot survey
Q.4 Distinguish between primary data and secondary data. Which data is
more reliable and why?
Q.5 What do you mean by questionnaire? State five principle which should be
followed while drafting a good questionnaire.
Q.6 Distinguish between census method and sample method
Q.7 Which of the following method give better results and why?
Q.8 What are the Advantages of mailing questionnaire?