METHODS OF DATA
C O L L E C T IO N
Types of Data
There are two types of data:-
1. Primary Data- The data those are collected afresh
and for the first time, and thus happen to be
original in character.
2. Secondary Data- The data those which have already
been collected by someone else and which have
already been passed through the statistical process.
Collection of Primary Data
The various methods of primary data collection are:-
Observation method
Interview method
Questionnaires
Schedules
Observation Method
It is the most commonly used method in studies
relating to behavioral sciences
It becomes a scientific tool and the method of data
collection for the researcher when it serves a
formulated research purpose, is systematically
planned and recorded and is subjected to checks and
controls on validity and reliability
In this method the information is sought by way of
investigator’s own direct observation without asking
from respondent
Observation Method
Advantages
Subjective bias is eliminated, if observation is done
accurately.
The information obtained under this method relates
to what is currently happening
It is independent of the respondents’ willingness to
respond and as such is less les demanding of active
cooperation on the part of the respondents.
Observation Method
Limitations
It is an expensive method
Information provided by this method is very limited
Sometimes unforeseen factors may interfere with the
observational task
Some people are rarely accessible to direct
observation creates obstacles for this method to
collect data effectively
Observation Method
The observations can be
Structured Observation
Unstructured Observation
Participant Observation
Non-participant Observation
Uncontrolled Observation
Controlled Observation
Interview Method
The interview method of collecting data involves
presentation of oral-verbal stimuli and reply in terms
of oral-verbal responses.
This method can be used through
1. Personal interviews and, if possible, through
2. Telephone interviews
Personal Interviews
This method requires a person known as the
interviewer asking questions generally in a face to face
contact to the other person or persons
This sort of interview may be in the form of direct
personal investigation or it may be indirect oral
investigation
Former method is suitable for extensive investigations
Latter method is used by the commissions and
committees appointed by government to carry on
investigations
Personal Interviews
Personal interview method can be
Structured Interviews
Unstructured Interviews
Focused interview
Clinical interview
Non-directive interview
Personal Interviews
Advantages
More information and that too in greater depth can
be obtained
Interviewer by his own skill can overcome the
resistance if any
There is a greater flexiblility in this method
Personal information can as well be obtained easily
Personal Interviews
Disadvantages
It is very expensive methos
There remains the possibility of the bias of the
interviewer
This method is relatively more time consuming
The presence of the interviewer on the spot may over
– stimulate the respondent
Telephone Interviews
This method of collecting information consists in
contacting respondents on telephone itself.
It is not very widely used method, but plays
important part in industrial survey
Collection of Data through Questionnaires
This method of data collection is quite popular,
particularly in case of big enquiries
It is being adopted by the private individuals,
research workers, private and public organisations
and even by governments
In this method a questionnaire is sent to the persons
concerned with the request to answer the questions
and return the questionnaire
Collection of Data through Questionnaires
Advantages
Low cost method
Free from bias of the interviewer; answers are in
respondents’ own words
Respondents have adequate time to give well
thought out answers
Respondents, who are not easily approachable, can
also be reached conveniently.
Collection of Data through Questionnaires
Disadvantages
Low rate of duly filled in questionnaires
It can be used only when respondents are educated
and cooperating
The control over questionnaire may be lost once it is
sent
There is inbuilt inflexibility because of the difficulty
of ammending the approah once questionnaire has
been dispatched
Collection of Data through Questionnaires
There is also the possibility of ambiguous replies or
omission of replies. Interpretation of omission is
difficult
It is difficult to know whether willing respondents
are truly representative
This method is likely to be the slowest of all
Collection of Data through Schedules
This method is very much like the collection of data
through questionnaire
These are being filled in by the enumerators who are
specially appointed for the purpose
These enumerators along with schedules, go to
respondents, put to them the questions from the
proforma
Enumerators explain the aims and objectives of
investigation and also remove the difficulties which
any respondent may feel in understanding
Collection of Data through Schedules
This method requires the careful selection of
enumerators
The enumerators should be trained to perform their
job well
Enumerators should be intelligent and must possess
the capacity of cross examination in order to find out
the truth
Population census all over the world is conducted
through this method.
Thank You!
