Ch-2 Collection of Data (Statistics)
Ch-2 Collection of Data (Statistics)
Sources of Data
There are two sources of data
Primary Source of Data It implies collection of data from its source of
origin.
Secondary Source of Data It implies collection of data from some
agency or institution which already happens to have collected the data
through statistical survey.
Types of Data
Primary Data- Data collected by the investigator for his own purpose for
the first time, from beginning to end are called primary data.
Secondary Data- These data have already been collected by somebody
else, these are available in the form of published or unpublished report.
(b) Demerits
• Less accurate
• Doubtful conclusions
• Biased
In order to assess the reliability, suitability and adequacy of the data, the
following points must be kept in mind
• Ability of the collecting organisation
• Objective and scope
• Method of collection
• Time and condition of organisation
• Definition of the unit
• Accuracy
Census ‘Method
Census method is that method in which data are collected covering every
item of the universe or population relating to the problem under
investigation. Merits and demerits of this method are given follows
(a) Merits
• Reliable and accurate
• Less biased
• Extensive information
• Study of diverse characteristic
• Study of complex investigation
• Indirect investigation
(b) Demerits
• Costly
• Large manpower
• Not suitable for large investigation
Sample Method
It is that method in which data is collected about the sample on a group
of items taken from the populations for examination and conclusions are
drawn on their basis. Merits and demerits of this method are given below
(a) Merits
• Economical
• Time saving
• Identification of error
• Large investigation
• More scientific
(b) Demerits
• Partial
• Wrong conclusions
• Difficulty in selecting representative sample
• Difficulty in framing a sample
• Specialised knowledge
Methods of Sampling
(i) Random Sampling Random sampling is that method of sampling in
which each and every item of the universe has equal chance of being
selected in the sample.
Random sampling may be done in any of the following ways
• Lottery method
• Tables of random number
(ii) Purposive or Deliberate Sampling It is that method in which the
investigator himself makes the choice of the samples items which in his
opinion are the best representative of the universe.
(iii) Stratified or Mixed Sampling According to this method of
sampling population is divided into different strata having different
characteristics and some of the items are selected from each strata, so the
entire population gets represented.
(iv) Systematic Sampling According to this methods, units of the
population are numerically, geographically and alphabetically arranged.
Every nth item of the numbered is selected as a sample item.
(v) Quota Sampling In this method, the population is divided into
different groups or classes according to different characteristics of the
population.
(vi) Convenience Sampling In this method, sampling is done by the
investigator in such a manner that suits his convenience.