Lecture.

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Data – definition – Collection of data – Primary and secondary data – Classification
of data – Qualitative and quantitative data.

Basic Concepts
Statistics (Definition)
Quantitative figures are known as data.
Statistics is the science which deals with the
(i) Collection of data
(ii) Organization of data or Classification of data
(iii) Presentation of data
(iv) Analysis of data
(v) Interpretation of data
Data and statistics are not same as used commonly.

Example for data

1. No. of farmers in a block.
2. The rainfall over a period of time.
3. Area under paddy crop in a state.

Functions of statistics
Statistics simplifies complexity, presents facts in a definite form, helps in
formulation of suitable policies, facilitates comparison and helps in forecasting.

Uses of statistics
Statistics has pervaded almost all spheres of human activities. Statistics is useful
in the administration of various states, Industry, business, economics, research workers,
banking, insurance companies etc.

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Limitations of Statistics
1. Statistical theories can be applied only when there is variability in the
experimental material.
2. Statistics deals with only aggregates or groups and not with individual objects.
3. Statistical results are not exact.
4. Statistics can be misused.

Collection of data
Data can be collected by using sampling methods or experiments.

Data
The information collected through censuses and surveys or in a routine manner or
other sources is called a raw data. When the raw data are grouped into groups or classes,
they are known as grouped data.
There are two types of data
1. Primary data
2. Secondary data.

Primary data
The data which is collected by actual observation or measurement or count is
called primary data.

Methods of collection of primary data

Primary data is collected in any one of the following methods
1. Direct personal interviews.
2. Indirect oral interviews
3. Information from correspondents.
4. Mailed questionnaire method.
5. Schedules sent through enumerators.

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1. Direct personal interviews
The persons from whom information are collected are known as informants or
respondents. The investigator personally meets them and asks questions to gather the
necessary information.

Merits
1. The collected informations are likely to be uniform and accurate. The investigator
is there to clear the doubts of the informants.
2. People willingly supply information because they are approached personally.
Hence more response is noticed in this method then in any other method.

Limitations
It is likely to be very costly and time consuming if the number of persons to be
interviewed is large and the persons are spread over a wide area.

2. Indirect oral interviews

Under this method, the investigator contacts witnesses or neighbors or friends or
some other third parties who are capable of supplying the necessary information.

Merits
For almost all the surveys of this kind, the informants like within a closed area.
Hence, the time and the cost are less. For certain surveys, this is the only method
available.

Limitations
The information obtained by this method is not very reliable. The informants and
the person who conducts a survey easily distort the truth.

3. Information from correspondents

The investigator appoints local agents or correspondents in different places and
compiles the information sent by them.

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Merits
• For certain kinds of primary data collection, this is the only method available.
• This method is very cheap and expeditious.
• The quality of data collected is also good due to long experience of local
representatives.

Limitations
Local agents and correspondents are not likely to be serious and careful.

4. Mailed Questionnaire method

Under this method a list of questions is prepared and is sent to all the informants
by post. The list of questions is technically called questionnaire.

Merits
1. It is relatively cheap.
2. It is preferable when the informants are spread over a wide area.
3. It is fast if the informants respond duly.

Limitations
1. Were the informants are illiterate people, this method cannot be adopted.
2. It is possible that some of the persons who receive the questionnaires do not
return them. Their action is known as non – response.

5. Schedules sent through enumerators

Under this method, enumerators or interviewers take the schedules, meet the
informants and fill in their replies. A schedule is filled by the interviewer in a face to face
situation with the informant.

Merits
1. It can be adopted even if the informants are illiterate.

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 2. Non-response is almost nil as the enumerators go personally and contact the
informants.
3. The informations collected are reliable. The enumerators can be properly trained
for the same.

Limitations
1. It is costliest method.
2. Extensive training is to be given to the enumerators for collecting correct and
uniform informations.

Secondary data
The data which are compiled from the records of others is called secondary data.
The data collected by an individual or his agents is primary data for him and
secondary data for all others. The secondary data are less expensive but it may not give
all the necessary information.
Secondary data can be compiled either from published sources or from
unpublished sources.

Sources of published data

1. Official publications of the central, state and local governments.
2. Reports of committees and commissions.
3. Publications brought about by research workers and educational associations.
4. Trade and technical journals.
5. Report and publications of trade associations, chambers of commerce, bank etc.
6. Official publications of foreign governments or international bodies like U.N.O,
UNESCO etc.

Sources of unpublished data

All statistical data are not published. For example, village level officials maintain
records regarding area under crop, crop production etc. They collect details for

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administrative purposes. Similarly details collected by private organizations regarding
persons, profit, sales etc become secondary data and are used in certain surveys.

Characteristics of secondary data

The secondary data should posses the following characteristics. They should be
reliable, adequate, suitable, accurate, complete and consistent.

Variables
Variability is a common characteristic in biological Sciences. A quantitative or
qualitative characteristic that varies from observation to observation in the same group is
called a variable.

Quantitative data
The basis of classification is according to differences in quantity. In case of
quantitative variables the observations are made in terms of kgs, Lt, cm etc. Example
weight of seeds, height of plants.

Qualitative data
When the observations are made with respect to quality is called qualitative data.
Eg: Crop varieties, Shape of seeds, soil type.
The qualitative variables are termed as attributes.

Classification of data
Classification is the process of arranging data into groups or classes according to
the common characteristics possessed by the individual items.
Data can be classified on the basis of one or more of the following kinds namely
1. Geography
2. Chronology
3. Quality
4. Quantity.

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1. Geographical classification (or) Spatial Classification
Some data can be classified area-wise, such as states, towns etc.

Data on area under crop in India can be classified as shown below

Region Area ( in hectares)
Central India -
West -
North -
East -
South -

2. Chronological or Temporal or Historical Classification

Some data can be classified on the basis of time and arranged chronologically or
historically.
Data on Production of food grains in India can be classified as shown below
Year Tonnes
1990-91 -
1991-92 -
1992-93 -
1993-94 -
1994-95 -

3. Qualitative Classification
Some data can be classified on the basis of attributes or characteristics. The number of
farmers based on their land holdings can be given as follows
Type of farmers Number of farmers
Marginal 907
Medium 1041
Large 1948
Total 3896

Qualitative classification can be of two types as follows

(i) Simple classification
(ii) Manifold classification

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(i) Simple Classification
This is based on only one quality.
Eg:
Cultivable land Educational level of farmers

Rainfed Irrigated literate Illiterate

(ii) Manifold Classification

This is based on more than one quality.
Eg:
No. of Farms

Rainfed Irrigated

Food Crops Veg and Food Crops Veg and

Others Others

4. Quantitative classification
Some data can be classified in terms of magnitude. The data on land holdings by
farmers in a block. Quantitative classification is based the land holding which is the
variable in this example.

Land holding ( hectare) Number of Farmers

<1 442
1-2 908
2-5 471
>5 124
Total 1945

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Difference between Primary and secondary data
Primary Data Secondary Data
1. Original data Primary data are original Secondary data are not
because investigation himself original since investigator
collects them. makes use of the other
agencies.
2. Suitability If these data are collected These might or might not suit
accurately and systematically the objectives of enquiry.
their suitability will be very
positive.
3. Time and labour These data involve large These data are relatively less
expenses in terms of money, costly.
time and manpower
4. Precaution don’t need any great These should be used with
precaution while using these great care and caution.
data.

Questions

1. A simple table contains data on

a) Two characteristics b) Several characteristics
c) One characteristic d) Three characteristics
Ans: One characteristic

2. When the collected data is grouped with reference to time, we have

a) Quantitative classification b) Qualitative classification
c) Geographical Classification d) Chorological Classification
Ans: Chorological Classification

3. Geographical classification means, classification of data according to Region.

Ans: True

4. An arrangement of data into rows and columns is known as Tabulation.

Ans: True
5. Data on yield is a quantitative variable
Ans: True
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6. Qualitative variables are also called as attributes.
Ans: True

7. Define primary and secondary data

8. Give the advantages of tabulation.
9. Write a detail note on the types of classification
10. What are the essential characteristics of a good table?

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