SEC PPR Unit 1 Topic 2
SEC PPR Unit 1 Topic 2
Data
Data are measurements or observations that are collected as a source of
information
Observation Method
Observation method is used when the study relates to behavioral science. This
method is planned systematically. It is subject to many controls and checks. The
different types of observations are:
-Structured and unstructured observation
-Controlled and uncontrolled observation
- Participant, non-participant and disguised observation
Interview Method
The method of collecting data in terms of verbal responses. It is achieved in two
ways, such as
Personal Interview – In this method, a person known as an interviewer is required
to ask questions face to face to the other person. The personal interview can be
structured or unstructured, direct investigation, focused conversation, etc.
Telephonic Interview – In this method, an interviewer obtains information by
contacting people on the telephone to ask the questions or views, verbally.
Questionnaire Method
In this method, the set of questions are mailed to the respondent. They should
read, reply and subsequently return the questionnaire. The questions are printed
in the definite order on the form. A good survey should have the following
features:
-Short and simple
-Should follow a logical sequence
-Provide adequate space for answers
-Avoid technical terms
Should have good physical appearance such as color, quality of the paper to
attract the attention of the respondent
Schedules
This method is similar to the questionnaire method with a slight difference. The
enumerations are specially appointed for the purpose of filling the schedules. It
explains the aims and objects of the investigation and may remove
misunderstandings, if any have come up. Enumerators should be trained to
perform their job with hard work and patience.
2.Secondary data is data collected by someone other than the actual user. It
means that the information is already available, and someone analyses it. The
secondary data includes magazines, newspapers, books, journals, etc. It may be
either published data or unpublished data.
Published data are available in various resources including:
Government publications
Public records
Historical and statistical documents
Business documents
Technical and trade journals
Unpublished data includes
Diaries
Letters
Unpublished biographies, etc.
Sampling
When you conduct research about a group of people, it’s rarely possible to collect
data from every person in that group. Instead, you select a sample. The sample is
the group of individuals who will actually participate in the research.
To draw valid conclusions from your results, you have to carefully decide how you
will select a sample that is representative of the group as a whole. This is called a
sampling method. There are two primary types of sampling methods that you can
use in your research:
Probability sampling involves random selection, allowing you to make
strong statistical inferences about the whole group.