Advanced Research Methodology

Unit - 1
The study of conducting research is Research Methodology.

Research: The word research is composed of two syllables “Re” and “Search”. “Re”
is the prefix meaning ‘Again or over again or a new’ and “Search” is the latter meaning
‘to examine closely and carefully’ or ‘to test and try’.

Together they form, a careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some field of
knowledge undertaken to establish principles / policies.
Research is, thus, an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for
its advancement. It is the pursuit of the truth with the help of study, observation,
comparison and experiment.

Research can also be defined as

 Search for knowledge
 Systematic and scientific search for getting relevant answers on any taken up
specific topic.
 Scientific enquiry into a subject.
 Research is a movement from the unknown to the known.
 It is the voyage of discover.

Research comprises of
 Defining and redefining problems.
 Formulating hypothesis (basic idea)
 Collecting
 Organizing
 Evaluating datas
 Making decisions
 Suggesting solutions
 Reaching conclusions
 Finally, carefully testing the conclusions

Objectives of Research:
The purpose of research is to discuss answers to questions through the application
of scientific procedures. The main aim of research is to find out the truth which is hidden
and which has not been discovered as yet.
 To gain familiarity with phenomena and achieve new insight into it.
 To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual situation or
group.
  To determine the frequency with which something occurs.
 To discover the truth and fact.
 To test hypothesis of cause and effect relationship between variables.
 To understand social life and gain a control over social behavior.
 To know old conclusions with new data.
 To find new conclusion with old data.
 To reach more conclusions from available data.
 To explain unexplained horizon of knowledge.
 To put forward an entirely new theory.
 To study and resolve contradiction in the area of a study.

Motivation in Research:
 Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits.
 Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems.
 Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work.
 Desire to be of service to society.
 Desire to get respectability.

Research Methods:

May be understood as all those methods or techniques that are used by a

researcher for conducting a Research depending upon the methods.

1. Library Research: Analysis of historical records and documents. Statistical

compilation, references, abstracts, guides manipulation
(handle with skill)

2. Field Research: Observation, questionnaires, personal, Group or telephonic

interviews, case study.

3. Laboratory Research: Group (team) study, use of audio visual tools.

Research Methodology: It is the way to systematically solve the research problem.

In it we study the various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in studying
his research problem logically.
When we talk of Research Methodology, we not only talk of research methods
but also consider the logic behind the methods we use in the context of our research
study and explain why we are using a particular method or we are not using a particular
method or technique so that research results are capable of being evaluated either by
the researcher or others.
Steps:
 Why a particular research study has been undertaken?
  How the Research problem has been defined?
 What way and why the hypothesis (basic idea) has been formulated?
 Why a particular technique of analyzing data is used? (or) How the data were
collected?
 How the collected data were interpreted?
 What deletion was made?
 What was the conclusion?
 Finally, what was the solution for the Research problem?

Types of Research

Research can be classified from the view point or perspectives as, from the view point

Descriptive Research means description of the state of affairs as it exists at present. It

is also called as statistical research. Researcher reports only what has happened or
what is happening.
In short, it deals with everything that can be counted and studied, which has an impact of
the lives of the people it deals with.
For example,
• Finding the most frequent disease that affects the children of a town. The reader
of the research will know what to do to prevent that disease thus, more people
will live a healthy life.
Advantages:
• It is less expensive and time consuming than quantitative experiments;
• Collects a large amount of notes for detailed studying;
• As it is used to describe and not make any conclusions it is to start the research
with it;
Disadvantages:
• Descriptive research requires more skills.
• Does not identify cause behind a phenomenon.
• Response rate is low in this research.
• Results of this research can change over the period of time.

Analytical Research, researcher has to use facts on information already available and
analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material. It aims to understand
phenomena by discovering and measuring causal relations among them. The collected
data is analyzed and explained and works within the constraints variables

Applied research refers to scientific study and research that seeks to solve practical
problems. Applied research is used to find solutions to everyday problems, cure illness,
and develop innovative technologies, rather than to acquire knowledge for knowledge's
sake. Aims at finding solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an industry/
business organizations.
For example, applied researchers may investigate ways to:
• Improve agricultural crop production
• Treat or cure a specific disease
• Improve the energy efficiency of homes, offices, or modes of transportation

Fundamental research is driven by a scientist's curiosity or interest in a scientific

question. The main motivation is to expand man's knowledge, not to create or invent
something. There is no obvious commercial value to the discoveries that result from
basic research.
For example, basic science investigations probe for answers to questions such as:
• How did the universe begin?
• What are protons, neutrons, and electrons composed of?
• What is the specific genetic code of the fruit fly?

Quantitative Research refers to the systematic empirical investigation of any

phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. The objective of
quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical
models, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena.

Quantitative research is generally made using scientific methods, which can include:
• The generation of models, theories and hypotheses
• The development of instruments and methods for measurement
• Experimental control and manipulation of variables
• Collection of empirical data
• Modelling and analysis of data
• Evaluation of results

Qualitative Research is research dealing with phenomena that are difficult or

impossible to quantify mathematically, such as beliefs, meanings, attributes, and
symbols. Qualitative researchers aim to gather an in-depth understanding of human
behaviour and the reasons that govern such behaviour. The qualitative method
investigates the why and how of decision making, not just what, where, when.

Conceptual Research related to some abstract ideas or theory. Used by philosophers

and thinkers to develop new concepts or re-interpret existing ones.

Empirical Research relies on experience or observations alone, often without due

regard for system and theory. It is also known as experimental type of research. The

result obtained by adapting Empirical Research is considered to be most

powerful.
Criteria for a Good Research Process
Every research study, irrespective of its type, should meet some criterions so that it can
be classified as good research. Let us discuss some of these criterions.
 One of the important characteristics of a good research is that the purpose of the
research is clearly defined. A research study with clearly defined purpose finds a
wider acceptance and acknowledgement within the research community.
 Second important characteristic of a good research is that the research method
should be defined in a clear manner with sufficient detail. This will allow the
repetition of the study in future for further advancement, while maintaining the
continuity of what has been done in the past.
 The third thing to remember is that any limitations and assumptions made by the
researcher during the course of the study should be clearly highlighted in the
research. This will support the findings of the research study, in case someone
tries to validate the study findings.
 The fourth thing to remember is that, as far as possible, the research design
should be planned in a way that the results generated are as objective as
possible. This will provide an easier understanding about the findings of the
research.
 Another thing to be considered by the researcher is that there should be sufficient
data to investigate the research topic. And the researcher should carefully check
the reliability and validity of the data.
 Further, in order to deliver a good research, a researcher should confine the
conclusions to those justified by the data.
 Lastly, a good research depends a great deal on the integrity and commitment of
the researcher.
So, make sure that you adhere to these guidelines when you are carrying out your
research.

Research Process
Research process contains a series of closely related activities which has to carry out by
a researcher. Research process requires patience. There is no measure that shows your
research is the best. It is an art rather than a science. Following are the main steps in
social or business research process.
1. Selection of Research Problem
2. Extensive Literature Survey
3. Making Hypothesis
4. Preparing the Research Design
5. Sampling
6. Data collection
 7. Data Analysis
8. Hypothesis Testing
9. Generalization and Interpretation
10. Preparation of Report
1. Selection of Research Problem
The selection of topic for research is a difficult job. When we select a title or
research statement, then other activities would be easy to perform. So, for the
understanding thoroughly the problem it must have to discuss with colleagues,
friend, experts and teachers. The research topic or problem should be practical,
relatively important, feasible, ethically and politically acceptable.
2. Literature Review or Extensive Literature Survey
After the selection of research problem, the second step is that of literature
mostly connected with the topics. The availability of the literature may bring ease
in the research. For this purpose academic journals, conference and govt. reports
and library must be studied.
3. Making Hypothesis
The development of hypothesis is a technical work depends on the researcher
experience. The hypothesis is to draw the positive & negative cause and effect
aspects of a problem. Hypothesis narrows down the area of a research and keep
a researcher on the right path.
4. Preparing the Research Design
After the formulation of the problem and creating hypothesis for it, research
Design is to prepare by the researcher. It may draw the conceptual structure of
the problem. Any type of research design may be made, depend on the nature
and purpose of the study. Daring R. Design the information about sources, skill,
time and finance is taken into consideration.
5. Sampling
The researcher must design a sample. It is a plan for taking its respondents from
a specific areas or universe. The sample may be of two types:
 Probability Sampling
 Non-probability Sampling
6. Data collection
Data collection is the most important work, is researcher. The collection of
information must be containing on facts which is from the following two types of
researcher.
Primary Data Collection: Primary data may be from the following.
 Experiment
 Questionnaire
 Observation
  Interview
Secondary data collection: it has the following categories:
 Review of literature
 Official and non-official reports
 Library approach
7. Data Analysis
When data is collected, it is forwarded for analysis which is the most technical
job. Data analysis may be divided into two main categories.
Data Processing: it is sub-divided into the following;
Data editing, Data coding, Data classification, Data tabulation,
Data presentation, Data measurement
Data Exposition: Date Exposition has the following sub-categories;
Description, Explanation, Narration, Conclusion/Findings,
Recommendations/Suggestions
8. Hypothesis Testing
Research data is then forwarded to test the hypothesis. Do the hypothesis are
related to the facts or not? To find the answer the process of testing hypothesis is
undertaken which may result in accepting or rejecting the hypothesis.
9. Generalization and Interpretation
The acceptable hypothesis is possible for researcher to arrival at the process of
generalization or to make & theory. Some types of research has no hypothesis
for which researcher depends upon on theory which is known as interpretation.
10. Preparation of Report
A researcher should prepare a report for which he has done is his work. He must
keep in his mind the following points:
Report Design in Primary Stages, Main Text of the Report and Closing the
Report.

Research Formulation
Definition of Research Problem:
It refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of either
theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same.
A research problem can be simply defined as a statement that identifies the problem or
situation to be studied.
Components of Research Problem:
 An individual or a group with some difficulty or problem.
 Objectives of research that are to be attained.
 The environment in which the problem exists.
 Two or more course of action or alternative means for obtaining the objective.
 Two or more possible outcomes.
 Objective of the study.
Formulating a Research Problem:
The steps involved in formulating a research problem are as follows:
 Develop a suitable title.
 Build a conceptual model of the problem.
 Define the objectives of the study.
 Set up investigative questions.
 Formulate hypothesis.
 State the operational definition of concepts.
 Determine the scope of the study.
Selecting a Problem:
Guidelines for selecting a research problem are:
 Subject which is overdone should not be choses.
 An average researcher must not choose controversial topics.
 Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided.
 The chosen subject should be familiar and feasible.
 Significance and importance of subject must be given attention.
 Cost and time factor must be kept in mind.
Necessity of defining a problem:
The problem to be investigated must be clearly defined in order to -
 Discriminate relevant data from the irrelevant one.
 To keep a track and make a strategy.
 Formulate objectives
 Choose an appropriate research design.
 Lay down boundaries or limits.
Techniques involved in defining a Research Problem:
A researcher may define a research problem by:
 Defining the statement of the problem in a general way.
  Understanding the nature of the problem
 Surveying the available literature.
 Developing ideas through discussions and brain storming.
 Rephrasing the research problem.
There are few rules that must be kept in mind while defining a research problem. They
are:
 Technical terms should be clearly defined.
 Basic assumptions should be stated.
 The criteria for the selection should be provided.
 Suitability of the time period and sources of data available must be considered.
 The scope of the investigation or the limits must be mentioned.

Literature Review
Definition of Literature Review:
A literature review is a “critical analysis of a segment of a published body of knowledge
through summary, classification, and comparison of prior research studies, reviews of
literature, and theoretical articles”
Importance of Literature Review:
 A literature review may be an end in itself to publish it as a review.
 It can be a preparatory work for taking up / motivating future research.
 It can be to choose and formulate a research problem (more appropriately called
as ‘literature survey’).
 Literature Review enables a researcher to become an expert/ specialist/ authority
in the specific area; the expertise acquired is often directly proportional to the
efforts put in literature review.
Key points of a Literature Review:
 Tell me what the research says(Theory)
 Tell me how the research was carried out (Methodology)
 Tell me what is missing or the gap that research intends to fill.(Research gap)
Sources of Literature Review:
"The Literature" refers to the collection of scholarly writings on a topic. This includes
peer-reviewed articles, books, dissertations and conference papers.

When reviewing the literature, be sure to include major works as well as studies that
respond to major works. You will want to focus on primary sources, though secondary
sources can be valuable as well.

Primary Sources:
The term primary source is used broadly to embody all sources that are original.
Primary sources provide firsthand information that is closest to the object of study.

Original reports of research found in academic journals detailing the methodology used
in the research, in-depth descriptions, and discussions of the findings are considered
primary sources of information.

Other common examples of primary sources include speeches, letters, diaries,

autobiographies, interviews, official reports, court records, artifacts, photographs, and
drawings.

Secondary Sources:

A secondary source is a source that provides non-original or secondhand data or

information.

Secondary sources are written about primary sources.

Research summaries reported in textbooks, magazines, and newspapers are considered

secondary sources. They typically provide global descriptions of results with few details
on the methodology. Other examples of secondary sources include biographies and
critical studies of an author's work.

Critical Literature Review:

What is Gap in Literature Review:

The gap, also considered the missing piece or pieces in the research literature, is the
area that has not yet been explored or is under-explored. This could be a population or
sample (size, type, location, etc.), research method, data collection and/or analysis, or
other research variables or conditions.
Identifying Gaps in Literature Review:
As with all research, it is important to formulate questions that need further investigation
and identify gaps in the literature that must be researched. First you need to identify and
select relevant information sources, which will mean looking at books in the library,
catalogues, databases and on the Internet.

Once you have decided what area you want to target and you have found appropriate
sources to research you will need to interpret the results. Evaluate the information you
have gathered carefully and if necessary modify your search.

You are looking for:

 Gaps in the research where you can suggest ways forward or theories of your
own.
 Areas where the research is incomplete.
Once you have outlined the gaps in the literature, point these out and their flaws making
sure that you identify the pertinent issues for future study. Identifying gaps in the
literature shows that you understand the topic and suggesting new work, shows you
have the potential for further study and independent research.

Finding the right voice for your literature review is all-important. Make your work clear,
concise and informative. And as ever, always leave your reader with something to dwell
upon.

Hypothesis:

A tentative explanation that accounts for facts and can be tested by further investigation;
a theory something taken to be true for the purpose of argument or investigation; an
assumption.

Development of Working Hypothesis:

This hypothesis is used as a foundation tool for the research process, and it is not meant
to be proven right or wrong. A working hypothesis is an educated guess or assumption
to start research. It’s intend is to help the researcher organize its work by connecting
ideas in different steps:
 Allowing for hypothesis and sub-hypothesis to be developed. This will create
some order about the exploratory topics of the research.
 Organizing the existing research. This is particularly relevant in a new field. It is
possible to identify various sources of valuable research. However, since they
might be dispersed among different fields, working hypothesis allows the
research to organize this background information.
 Finally, a working hypothesis is used to develop the research tools such as
questionnaires or interview questions.
Since a working hypothesis is usually employed in a new area of research, or with highly
complex questions such as those that emerge when trying to integrate a policy
intervention (i.e. social protection policies), it usually employs qualitative methods such
as interviews, focus groups, participatory research, etc.

Unit - 2
Meaning of Research Design:
Research design is the conceptual structure within which research is conducted. It
constitutes the blue print for the collection, measurement and analysis of data.
The function of the Research design is to provide relevant evidence with minimal
expenditure of effort, time and money. It provides an outline of what the researcher is
going to do in terms of
1) Framing the hypothesis
2) Its operational implications
3) Finally data analysis
The Research design highlights certain decisions,
i. The nature of the study
ii. Purpose of the study
iii. Location where the study would be conducted
iv. The nature of data required
v. From where the data would be collected
vi. The techniques of data collection that would be used
vii. What time period the study would cover
viii. The type of sample design that would be used
ix. The method of data analysis that would be adapted
x. The manner in which the report would be prepared
Keeping in view the above stated design decisions; one may split the overall research
design into the following parts:
 Sampling Research Design: Deal with selection of relevant items
 Observational Research Design: Deals with the observations (field
observations) that is to be made.
 Statistical Research design: Deals with the information on the data
collected & analysed.
 Operational Research Design: How the above three are carried out.

Need for Research Design:

Research design is needed because it facilitates the smooth sailing of the various
research operations, thereby making research as efficient as possible yielding maximal
information with minimal expenditure of effort, time and money. Preparation of the
research design should be done with great care as any error in it may upset the entire
project. Research design, in fact, has a great bearing on the reliability of the results
arrived at and as such constitutes the firm foundation of the entire edifice of the research
work.

 It reduces inaccuracy;
 Helps to get maximum efficiency and reliability;
  Eliminates bias and marginal errors;
 Minimizes wastage of time;
 Helpful for collecting research materials;
 Helpful for testing of hypothesis;
 Gives an idea regarding the type of resources required in terms of money,
manpower, time and efforts;
 Provides an overview to other experts;
 Guides the research in the right direction.
Features of Good Research Design:
A good design has words like efficient, flexible, economical, appropriate, and so on.
The design with less experimental error is a best design. Thus, good design question is
related to objective of the research problem and problems nature. A single design is not
an answer for all sorts of research problems.
A research design should have following study considerations:
 Way of gathering information
 The availability of staff
 Researcher skills
 The problem nature and
 The study of problem aim
 The time and money
Important Concepts relating to Research Design:
Before describing the different research designs, it will be appropriate to explain the
various concepts relating to designs so that these may be better and easily understood.
1. Dependent and independent variables: A variable is a concept that can take
on different quantitative values. E.g., weight, height, income, etc. A dependent
variable can be defined as the variable, which depends upon or is a
consequence of the other variable. On the other hand, an independent variable
can be defined as the variable that is antecedent to the dependent variable. E.g.,
if height depends upon age, then height is a dependent variable, while age is an
independent variable.
2. Extraneous variable: Although, the independent variables are unrelated to the
study purpose, they might however affect the dependent variables, known as
extraneous variables. E.g., When a researcher investigates the hypothesis of the
relationship between children’s gains in moral studies achievement and their self-
concepts. The self-concept denotes an independent variable, whereas the moral
studies achievement denotes a dependent variable. However, intelligence may
also affect the moral studies achievement, but as it is unrelated to the study
purpose, it will thus be called an extraneous variable.
 3. Control: The most significant quality of a good research design is to reduce the
influence/effect of extraneous variables. Control is a technical term, which is used
while designing the study, by reducing the effects of extraneous independent
variables. Besides, in experimental studies, the term control refers to the
restraining of experimental conditions.
4. Confounded relationship: In case the dependent variable is bound by the
influence of extraneous variable, the relationship between the dependent and
independent variables is known to be confused by extraneous variables.
5. Research hypothesis: This can be defined as the prediction or a hypothesised
relationship that needs to be tested by scientific methods. Besides, it is a
predictive statement, which connects an independent variable to a dependent
variable. Moreover, a research hypothesis needs to contain, at least, one
independent and one dependent variable.
6. Experimental and non-experimental hypothesis-testing research: When a
research aims at investigating a research hypothesis, it is known as the
hypothesis-testing research. However, it can be of the experimental or the non-
experimental design. On the other hand, a research in which the independent
variable is manipulated is known as the experimental hypothesis-testing
research, while the research in which an independent variable is not manipulated
is known as the non-experimental hypothesis-testing research.
7. Experimental and control groups: When any group is exposed to the usual
conditions of an experimental hypothesis-testing research, it is known as a
control group. Whereas, when the group is exposed to some other special
condition, it is known as an experimental group.
8. Treatments: This can be defined as the different types of conditions under
which the experimental and control groups are put. E.g., In order to determine the
comparative impact of three varieties of fertilizers on a crop yield, the three
different varieties of fertilizers will be treated as three different treatments.
9. Experiment: This can be defined as the process of examining the truth of a
statistical hypothesis, relating to some research problem. E.g., An experiment
conducted in order to research the usefulness of a newly developed medicine.
Moreover, experiments can be of two types:
 Absolute experiment
 Comparative experiment.
10. Experimental units: These represent the pre-determined plots or blocks, where
different types of treatments are used. Moreover, such type of experimental units
must be selected, as well as defined, very cautiously and thoroughly.
Developing a Research Plan
This session covers how to develop a research topic and prepare to search. It is best
done in the classroom for a longer class period so that students have time to participate
in writing exercises.
i. Understanding your assignment: what exactly are you supposed to do?
ii. Identify topic ideas through browsing, freewriting, and mind mapping.
iii. Explore further
 Gather background and contextual information
 Refine your topic
 Identify key words
 Create questions
iv. Identify research tools
 Types/formats of materials (articles, books, photos, statistics, etc.)
 Library databases
 Citation style manuals
 Saving and storing sources and notes
v. Develop a project schedule.

Data Collection

Data Collection is the systematic gathering of information (data) for a particular purpose
from various sources. (Various sources can be questionnaires, interviews, observations
existing records and electronic devices).

Two Important sources of Information are,

i. Primary Data

ii. Secondary Data

Primary Data: Raw data or primary data is a term for data collected at source.
This type of information is obtained directly from first hand sources by means of surveys,
observations and experimentation and not subjected to any processing or manipulation
and also called primary data.
Secondary Data: It refers to the data collected by someone other than the user i.e.
the data is already available and analysed by someone else. Common sources of
secondary data include various published or unpublished data, books, magazines,
newspaper, trade journals etc.,
Collection of Primary Data
Primary data is collected in the course of doing experimental or descriptive research by
doing experiments, performing surveys or by observation or direct communication with
respondents. Several methods for collecting primary data are given below –
1. Observation Method It is commonly used in studies relating to behavioural
science. Under this method observation becomes a scientific tool and the method
of data collection for the r searcher, when it serves a formulated research
purpose and is systematically planned and subjected to checks and controls.
a) Structured (descriptive) and Unstructured (exploratory) observation – When
a observation is characterized by careful definition of units to be observed, style
of observer, conditions for observation and selection of pertinent data of
observation it is a structured observation. When there characteristics are not
thought of in advance or not present it is a unstructured observation.
b) Participant, Non-participant and Disguised observation – When the observer
observes by making himself more or less, the member of the group he is
observing, it is participant observation but when the observer observes by
detaching himself from the group under observation it is non participant
observation. If the observer observes in such a manner that his presence is
unknown to the people he is observing it is disguised observation.
c) Controlled (laboratory) and Uncontrolled (exploratory) observation – If the
observation takes place in the natural setting it is a uncontrolled observation but
when observer takes place according to some pre-arranged plans, involving
experimental procedure it is a controlled observation.
Advantages →
⦁ Subjective bias is eliminated
⦁ Data is not affected by past behavior or future intentions
⦁ Natural behavior of the group can be recorded
Limitations →
⦁ Expensive methodology
⦁ Information provided is limited
⦁ Unforeseen factors may interfere with the observational task
2. Interview Method This method of collecting data involves presentation of oral
verbal stimuli and reply in terms of oral – verbal responses. It can be achieved by
two ways :-
a) Personal Interview – It requires a person known as interviewer to ask questions
generally in a face to face contact to the other person. It can be –
Direct personal investigation – The interviewer has to collect the information
personally from the services concerned.
Indirect oral examination – The interviewer has to cross examine other persons
who are supposed to have acknowledge about the problem.
Structured Interviews – Interviews involving the use of pre- determined
questions and of highly standard techniques of recording.
 Unstructured interviews – It does not follow a system of pre-determined
questions and is characterized by flexibility of approach to questioning.
Focused interview – It is meant to focus attention on the given experience of the
respondent and its effect. The interviewer may ask questions in any manner or
sequence with the aim to explore reasons and motives of the respondent.
Clinical interviews – It is concerned with broad underlying feeling and motives
or individual’s life experience which are used as method to ellict information
under this method at the interviewer direction.
Non directive interview – The interviewer’s function is to encourage the
respondent to talk about the given topic with a bare minimum of direct
questioning.
Advantages –
⦁ More information and in depth can be obtained
⦁ Samples can be controlled
⦁ There is greater flexibility under this method
⦁ Personal information can as well be obtained
⦁ Mis-interpretation can be avoided by unstructured interview.
Limitations –
⦁ It is an expensive method
⦁ Possibility of bias interviewer or respondent
⦁ More time consuming
b) Telephonic Interviews – It requires the interviewer to collect information by
contacting respondents on telephone and asking questions or opinions orally.
Advantages –
⦁ It is flexible, fast and cheaper than other methods
⦁ Recall is easy and there is a higher rate of response
⦁ No elder staff is required
Limitations –
⦁ Interview period exceed five minutes maximum which is less
⦁ Restricted to people with telephone facilities
⦁ Questions have to be short and to the point
⦁ Less information can be collected
3. Questionnaire In this method a questionnaire is sent (mailed) to the
concerned respondents who are expected to read, understand and reply on their
own and return the questionnaire. It consists of a number of questions printed on
typed in a definite order on a form on set of forms.
 It is advisable to conduct a `Pilot study’ which is the rehearsal of the main survey
by experts for testing the questionnaire for weaknesses of the questions and
techniques used.
Essentials of a good questionnaire –-
 It should be short and simple
 Questions should proceed in a logical sequence
 Technical terms and vague expressions must be avoided
 Control questions to check the reliability of the respondent must be
present
 Adequate space for answers must be provided
 Brief directions with regard to filling up of questionnaire must be provided
 The physical appearances – quality of paper, colour etc., must be good to
attract the attention of the respondent.
Advantages –
⦁ Free from bias of interviewer
⦁ Respondents have adequate time to give
⦁ Respondents have adequate time to give answers
⦁ Respondents are easily and conveniently approachable
⦁ Large samples can be used to be more reliable
Limitations –
⦁ Low rate of return of duly filled questionnaire
⦁ Control over questions is lost once it is sent
⦁ It is in flexible once sent
⦁ Possibility of ambiguous or omission of replies
⦁ Time taking and slow process
4. Schedules This method of data collection is similar to questionnaire method
with the difference that schedules are being filled by the enumerations specially
appointed for the purpose. Enumerations explain the aims and objects of the
investigation and may remove any misunderstanding and help the respondents to
record answer. Enumerations should be well trained to perform their job, he/she
should be honest hard working and patient. This type of data is helpful in
extensive enquiries however it is very expensive.

Collection of Secondary Data:

A researcher can obtain secondary data from various sources. Secondary data may
either be published data or unpublished data. Published data are available in:
 Publications of government
 Technical and trade journals
  Reports of various businesses, banks etc.
 Public records
 Statistical or historical documents.
Unpublished data may be found in letters, diaries, unpublished biographies or work.
Before using secondary data, it must be checked for the following characteristics –
i. Reliability of data – Who collected the data? From what source? Which
methods? Time? Possibility of bias? Accuracy?
ii. Suitability of data – The object, scope and nature of the original enquiry must
be studies and then carefully scrutinize the data for suitability.
iii. Adequacy – The data is considered inadequate if the level of accuracy achieved
in data is found inadequate or if they are related to an area which may be either
narrower or wider than the area of the present enquiry.