DATA COLLECTION
&
DATA CLASSIFICATION
DATA :
Data are the facts and figures relating to the
subject of inquiry in numerical form.
Data are the raw material for any statistical
analysis and conclusion.
Data
On the basis of Nature On the basis of Sources
Quantitative Qualitative Primary Secondary
Data Data Data Data
The data, which can be counted in natural way, is known as
quantitative data where as the data, which represent some
quality of an individual, is known as qualitative data or
attributes.
The data collected from primary sources is known as primary
data where as the data collected from secondary sources is
known as secondary data.
PRIMARY DATA:
Primary data are those which are:
Collected from primary sources.
Fresh, original and reliable.
Collected and recorded by the investigator or researcher him
self or her self.
First had data.
Collected for specific purpose.
Methods of Collecting Primary Data:
Following are the methods of collecting primary
data :
1. Direct Personal Interview Method.
2. Indirect Oral Interview Method.
3. Information Through Correspondence.
4. Mail Questionnaire Method.
5. Scheduled Sent Through Enumerators.
Direct Personal Interview Method.
In this method, the investigators or researchers
meet the respondents personally and asked the
necessary questions and extract the required
data.
This method is suitable in the following situations:
• When the area of inquiry is limited.
• When the data is to be kept secret.
• When pure and original data is needed.
• When the personal interview by the investigator is
essential.
Indirect Oral Interview Method.
This method is applied in the situation when the
informants hesitate to provide information directly.
Information regarding the property, personal habits
such as smoking habits, drug addicts, etc.
In this method, information can generally be collected
with the help of third person who is well known and
familiar with the respondents.
The third person here is sad to be ‘witness’.
This method is suitable :
• When the direct sources of information are not
available.
• When the informants are reluctant to give information.
Information Through Correspondence.
In this method, the investigator appoints the
correspondents in different places to collect
information.
This method is more suitable in the field of news media.
Mail Questionnaire Method.
In this method, the questionnaire is sent to the address
of respondents by post.
This method is more suitable:
When the respondents are educated.
When the field of investigation is large.
When the investigator requires quick results at low cost.
When the address of respondents are available.
Schedule Sent Through Enumerators.
Schedule is a list of questions (or items) on which
the enumerators have to collect and record
information.
The enumerator fill it in.
In this method, the investigators collect data
through trained enumerators.
This method is more useful when the informants
are illiterate.
SECONDARY DATA :
Any data that have been collected earlier for some purpose
are secondary data for the individuals who are using them.
Secondary data are the data, which are borrowed from
others who have collected them for other purpose.
The degree of accuracy of this type of data is
comparatively less than that of the primary data.
Secondary data may be collected from:
- Published Sources
> Reports and publications of ministries, departments,
INGO’s , NGO’s, etc.
- Unpublished Sources:
> records maintained by government offices,
organizations, departments, research scholars, etc.
