Week 2.2 Data Collection Methods
Week 2.2 Data Collection Methods
Primary Secondary
Data Collection Data Compilation
Experimentation
Types of Data
The statistical data may be classified into two categories depending upon the sources
utilized. These categories are primary and secondary data.
Primary Data – data which is collected by the investigator himself for the purpose
of a specific inquiry or study. These data are those collected for the first time
(original/first-hand data) either through surveys or direct observation.
Examples:
▪ Data on banking and finance collected by the Central Bank
▪ Data on opinions and sentiments of people on current issues collected by the
Pulse Asia.
Types of Data
Secondary Data – data which has been collected by others and used by an investigator
for his own purposes. Such data can be obtained from journals, official reports,
government publications, publications of professional and research organizations and
so on.
Examples:
▪ Documented data used by a medical researcher for his research which was
originally collected or published by the Department of Health.
▪ Data published from Business journals
Types of Data
Remember!
Secondary data should be used with utmost care. So before using this data, the following three
points should be considered.
1. Whether the data are suitable for the purpose of investigation. This can be judged in the light
of the nature and scope of investigation.
2. If the data obtained is suitable for our purpose it should be assessed whether the data are
adequate for the purpose of investigation. This can be determined based on the time period and
geographical area covered by the data.
3. Whether the data are reliable. The data obtained should be checked for its accuracy. If the data
are based on a sample, one should see whether the sample is a representative of the population.
Existing Sources
The most commonly used methods of data collection are the following:
Data Collection Methods
The most common methods of data collection for survey are self-administered
questionnaire and personal interview.
▪ Experiment Method – this method is used if the researcher would like to determine
the cause and effect relationship of certain phenomena under investigation. It is also
used in making scientific inquiry
▪ Document Review Method - a method of utilizing the existing data or fact or information
for a study.