Chapter - 2

Collection of Data
 Sources of Collection of Data

Primary Source Secondary Source

• Primary source of data • Secondary source of data
implies collection of data implies collection of data
from its source of origin. from some agency or
• It offers first-hand institution which already
quantitative information happens to have collected
relating to the statistical the data through statistical
study. survey(s).
• It does not offer first-hand
information relating to the
statistical study.
• It means to rely on the
already existing information.
 Primary and Secondary Data

Primary Data Secondary Data

• Secondary source offers

• Primary source offers Primary Secondary Data.
Data. • Secondary data are those
• Data collected by the which are already in
investigator for his own existence, and which have
purpose, for the first time, been collected, for some
from beginning to end, are other purpose.
called primary data. • These data are available in
• These are collected from the the form of published or
source of origin. unpublished reports.
• These are first-hand data. • These are called second-hand
data.
 Difference between Primary and Secondary Data

Basis Primary Data Secondary Data

1. Difference Primary data are original Secondary data are not
in because these are original because these
Originality collected by the are already in existence.
investigator from the
source of their origin.
2. Difference Primary data are always Secondary data have
in related to a specific already been collected for
Objective objective. So, they do not some other purpose. So,
need any adjustment. these data need to be
adjusted.
3. Difference Primary data are costlier Secondary data are less
in cost of in terms of time, money expensive.
Collection and efforts.
 Methods of Collecting Primary Data

Information through
Personal Questionnaires and Telephonic
Interviews Interviews
Schedules

1. Direct Personal 1. Mailing (Questionnaire)

Investigation Surveys

2. Indirect Oral Investigation 2. Enumerator’s Method

3. Information from Local

Sources and
Correspondents
 Personal Interviews
1. Direct Personal Investigation:
Direct personal investigation is the method by which data
are personally collected by the investigator from the
respondents. The investigator establishes direct contact
with the persons from whom the information is to be
obtained.
 Suitability

1. It is suitable when the field of investigation is limited or not

very large.

2. It is suitable when a greater degree of originality of data is

required.

3. It is suitable when information is to be kept secret.

4. It is suitable when accuracy of data is of great significance.

5. It is suitable when direct contact with the respondents is

required.
 Merits

Reliability of data is
Data have a high Data are accurate not doubted
degree of when personally because data is
Originality. collected. collected by the
investigator himself.

Originality Accuracy Reliability

1 2 3

In direct contact with There is uniformity in This method is elastic

the respondents, the the data collected by because the investigator
investigator may the investigator can always make
necessary adjustments in
obtain other related himself. It facilitates
his set of questions.
information as well. comparison.

Related
Uniformity Elastic
Information 4 5 6
 Demerits

1. Difficult to Cover Wide Areas

Direct personal investigation becomes very
difficult when the area of the study is very wide.

2. Personal Bias
This method is prone to personal bias of the
investigator. So, the data may loose its credibility.

3. Costly
This method is expensive in terms of time, money
and efforts involved.

4. Limited Coverage
In this method, area of investigation is generally
small. So, results are less representative and leads
to wrong conclusions.
2. Indirect Oral Investigation:
It is the method by which information is obtained not
from the persons regarding whom the information is
required. It is collected orally from other persons who are
expected to possess the necessary information. These
persons are called witnesses.
 Suitability

1. It is suitable when the field of investigation is large.

2. It is suitable when it is not possible to have direct contact with

the concerned respondents.

3. It is suitable when the concerned respondents are not capable

of giving information because of their ignorance or illiteracy.

4. It is suitable when the investigation is so complex that only

experts can give information.
 Merits

This method can This method is Under this method,

be applied even less expensive as an investigator can
take opinion of the
when the field of compared to
experts and can
investigation is Direct Personal make his information
large. Investigation. more reliable.
Wide Less Expert
Coverage 1 Expensive 2 Opinion 3

This method is free This is simple

from the personal method of data
bias of the collection.
investigator.

Free from
4 Simple 5
Bias
 Demerits

1. Less Accurate
Data collected by this method is less accurate. It is
because information is collected from other
persons than the concerned respondents.

2. Biased
There is possibility of the personal bias of the
witnesses giving information.

3. Doubtful Conclusions
This method may lead to doubtful conclusions
due to carelessness of the witnesses.
 Difference between Direct Personal Investigation
and Indirect Oral Investigation

Direct Personal Investigation Indirect Oral Investigation

There is direct contact with the Information is obtained from
respondents. other persons who are supposed
to possess necessary information
about the corresponding
respondents.
It is suitable when the field of It is suitable when the field of
investigation is small. investigation is large.
Under this method, the There is no such requirement as
investigator must be well versed there is no direct contact with the
in the language and cultural respondents.
habits of the respondents.
It is costlier. It is less expensive.
3. Information from Local Sources and Correspondents:
Under this method, the investigator appoints local persons
or correspondents at different places. They collect the
information in their own way and supply the information
to the investigator.
 Suitability

1. It is suitable when regular and continuous information is

required.

2. It is suitable when the area of investigation is large.

3. It is suitable when the information is used by journals,

magazines, radio, TV, etc.

4. It is suitable when a very high degree of accuracy is not

required.
 Merits

This method is This method This method keeps

economical in allows wide on supplying
terms of time, coverage of regular
money and investigation. information.
efforts involved.
Wide
Economical Continuity
1 Coverage 2 3

This method is
particularly suitable
for some special-
purpose
investigations.
Suitable for
Special Purpose 4
 Demerits
1. Lack of Originality
There is lack of originality because there is the lack of
personal contact with the respondents.

2. Lack of Uniformity
There is lack of uniformity of data because data is
collected by a number of correspondents.

3. Personal Bias
This method suffers from the personal bias of the
correspondents.

4. Less Accurate
Data collected by this method are not very accurate.

4. Delay in Collection
There is a delay in the collection of information by
this method.
Information through Questionnaires & Schedules
Under this method, the investigator prepares a
questionnaire keeping in view the objective of the
enquiry.

Mailing
Mailing
(Questionnaire)
(Questionnaire)
Surveys
Surveys
Enumerator’s
Enumerator’s
Method
Method
1. Mailing (Questionnaire) Surveys:
• Under this method, questionnaires are mailed to the
respondents. The respondents note the answers against
the questions and return the completed questionnaire
to the investigator.
• A letter is attached with the questionnaire giving the
purpose of the investigation.
 Suitability

1. This method is suitable when the study is very wide.

2. This method is suitable when the respondents are

educated.
 Merits

1 2 3
Wide
Economical Original
Coverage
This method is This method is This method
economical in original because allows wide
terms of time, information is coverage of the
money and supplied by the area of study.
efforts involved. concerned
persons
themselves.
 Demerits
Lack of Interest : Generally, the respondents do not take interest in
1 questionnaire and fail to return the questionnaires. Sometimes, they
send incomplete answers.

Lack of Flexibility : This method lacks flexibility. When the questions are
2 not properly replied, these cannot be changed to obtain the required
information.

Limited Use : This method has limited use because the questionnaires can
3 be answered only by the educated respondents. This method cannot be
used when the respondents are uneducated.

Biased : If the respondents are biased, the information lacks

4 credibility.

5 Less Accuracy : This method lacks accuracy because some questions

may be difficult and accurate answers may not be offered.
2. Enumerator’s Method:
• Under this method, a questionnaire is prepared
according to the purpose of enquiry. The enumerator
himself approaches the respondents with the
questionnaire. The questionnaire which are filled by the
enumerators themselves by putting questions are
called schedules.
• Enumerators are given training to fill the schedules and
obtain accurate information.
 Suitability

1. This method is suitable when the field of

investigation is large.

2. This method is suitable when the investigation needs

specialised and skilled enumerators.

3. This method is suitable when the enumerators are

well versed in the local language and cultural norms
of the respondents.
 Merits
There is personal
This method offers There is fair degree
contact with the
wide coverage. Even of accuracy because
respondents. So,
illiterates can investigation is
accurate and right
furnish the required done by specialised
answers are
information. enumerators.
obtained.
Wide Personal
Accuracy
Coverage 1 2 Contact 3

This method is Schedules are

impartial because the
complete because
enumerators
these are filled by
themselves do not
need the required the enumerators
information. themselves.

Impartiality 4 Completeness
5
 Demerits
1. Expensive 2. Availability of Enumerators
This method is very
It is difficult to find competent
expensive because of
enumerators. Accuracy depends on
involvement of trained
competency of the enumerators.
enumerators.

3. Time Consuming 4. Not Suitable for Private

The enumerators need Investigation
specialised training for This method is very expensive. So,
particular investigation. So, generally it is not suitable for private
this method is time investigation. It is generally used by
consuming. Government institutions.

5. Partial

If enumerators are biased,

data will not be accurate.
 Qualities of a Good Questionnaire

1. Limited Number of Questions : The number of questions

should be limited and should be relating to the purpose
of enquire only.

2. Simplicity : Language of questions should be simple and

clear. Questions should be short.

3. Proper order of the Questions : Questions must be

placed in a sequence.

4. No undesirable Questions : Personal questions should

be avoided. Questions should not offend the
respondents.

5. Non-Controversial : Controversial questions should be

avoided. Questions should be such that can can be
answered impartially.
6. Calculations : Mathematical questions involving
calculations should be avoided.

7. Pre-Testing Pilot Survey : Some questions be asked from

the respondents on trial basis. If they face difficulty in
answering questions, questions should be reframed
accordingly.

8. Instructions : There should be clear instructions for

filling in the form.

9. Cross Verification : Such questions may be asked which

help cross verification.

10. Request for Return : Request should be made to the

respondents to return the questionnaire. They should be
assured that information supplied by them will remain
confidential.
 Types of Questions

1. Simple Alternative Questions

These questions are answered in ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, ‘Right’ or
‘Wrong’, etc.

2. Multiples Choice Questions

Questions with multiple possible answers are given. The
respondent has to tick-mark the one which he feels fit.

3. Specific Information Questions

Only specific information is obtained through such
questions.

4. Open Questions
In such questions, the respondent is requested to give his
views on specific issues.
 Telephonic Interviews
Under this method, the investigator seeks the desired
information from the respondents over the telephone.

Merits :
1. Originality
2. Accuracy
3. Reliability
4. Cheaper (Economical)
5. Respondents are free from personal embarrassment

Demerits :
1. Personal Bias : This method is prone to personal bias of
the investigator. So, the data may loose its credibility.

2. Limited Access : This method has limited access when

some respondents may not own telephones.
 Collection of Secondary Data

Published Sources Unpublished Sources

 Published Sources
1. Government Publications: Ministries of the Central and
State Governments in India publish a variety of Statistics
as their routine activity. For example – Agricultural
Statistics of India, Report on Currency and Banking, etc.

2. Semi-Government Publications: Semi-government bodies

like Municipalities and Municipal Corporations publish
data relating to education, health, birth and deaths.

3. Reports of Committees and Commissions: Finance

Commission, Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog),
Monopolies Commissions, etc. supply detailed statistical
information in their reports.

4. Publications of Trade Associations: Big trade

associations also publish statistical data on various
trading activities.
5. Publications of Research Institutions: Various
universities and research institutions publish information
as findings of their research activities.

6. Journals and Papers: Many newspapers and magazines

supply a large variety of statistical data.

7. Publications of Research Scholars: Individual research

scholars also sometimes publish research work which
contains statistical information.

8. International Publications: International organisations

like World Bank, ILO, IMF, UNO, etc. publish a lot of
statistical information.
 Unpublished Sources

• There are some unpublished secondary data as well.

These data are collected by the government
organisations and others, for their self use or office
record.
• These data are not published.
 Precautions in the Use of Secondary Data
1. Ability of the Collecting Organisation: One must check the
ability of the organization which initially collected the data.
2. Objective and Scope: One must check the objective of
collecting data as well as scope of investigation. It should
match with the objective and scope of the study as undertaken
earlier.

3. Method of Collection: The method of collection of data by the

original investigator must match the nature of investigation.

4. Time and Conditions of Collection: The period as well and

conditions of investigations must match. Data conducted
during war times may not be suitable for the investigation
under peace times.

5. Definition of the Unit: Units of measurement used in the initial

collection of data are the same as adopted in the present study.

6. Accuracy: If the available data do not conform to the required

degree of accuracy, these should be discarded. Accuracy of
data should be checked.
 Two Important Sources of
Secondary Data

Reports and
Census of India Reports and
Census of India Publications of
Publications of
National Sample
National Sample
Survey Office
Survey Office
(NSSO)
(NSSO)
 Census of India

Census of India is a decennial publication of the

Government of India. It is published by Registrar General
and Census Commissioner, India.

It relates to population size and the various aspects of

demographic changes in India.

It includes following parameters:

1. Size, growth rate and distribution of population in India.
2. Population projections.
3. Density of population.
4. Sex composition of population.
5. State of literacy.
 Reports and Publications of
National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)

NSSO is a government organization under the Ministry of

Statistics and Programme Implementation.

It conducts regular sample surveys to collect basis

statistical information relating to a variety of economic
activity in rural as well as urban parts of the country.

It includes following parameters:

1. Land and Livestock Holdings.
2. Housing Conditions and Migration with special focus on
slum dwellers.
3. Employment and Unemployment status in India.
4. Consumer Expenditure in India and pattern of consumer
expenditure.
5. Sources of Household Income.
Telegram : NY Classes by Neha Jangid
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