2.

DATA COLLECTION
METHODS

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 What is Data?
• Data is a set of symbols that does not have
meaning of itself.

• It simply exists and has no significance beyond its

existence.

• Data are the pure and simple facts without any

particular structure or organization.

• the basic atom of information.

• Meaning of data becomes clear only when they

connect with context.
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 Data Collection
• The process of gathering of raw facts or

evidence about a subject of interest in a

systematic way, that enables the researcher
to answer stated research questions and
evaluate outcomes.

• It is the gathering of information (figures, words,

numbers or responses) that describes some

situation from which conclusions can be
drawn.

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 Data Collection Methods
• Data-collection methods are methods used to

collect data systematically.

• Data collection tools are instruments used for

data collection.

Example:
Questionnaire, interviews, FGDs,
software, checklist, tape etc.

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 Data Collection Methods

• There are two methods to collect data about

a situation, person, problem or phenomenon.

• The required data to be collected might be

either already available or must be collected

fresh from the experiment or field.

• Based on the two methods of data collection,

there are two types of data.

• These are:
Primary Data
Secondary Data
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  Primary Data
• are collected afresh and for the first time.
• are to be originally collected.
• Are original in character.

 Secondary Data
• is previously collected for other purposes, but
can be used in the immediate study.
• is already available data.
• Is obtained from books, journals, reports,
records, workshops etc.
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 Collection of Primary Data
• Are collected using survey and/or experimental
research.
• We collect primary data while conducting
experiments in an experimental research and
survey during descriptive research.

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 • An experiment refers to an investigation in which a
factor or variable under test is isolated and its
effect(s) is measured.
• For survey research, primary data are collected
using:
Observation Method
Interview Method
Questionnaires
Focus Group Discussion (FGDs)
Consumer Panels
etc.
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 Collection of Secondary Data
• Are data collected and analyzed by someone
else for other purpose.
• Are data that are already available.
• Could be either published or unpublished
data.
• The sources of secondary data includes:

Reports Newspapers
Books Diaries
Journals Workshops
Magazines Conferences

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 • Before using secondary data, the researcher
must see the following characteristics:
1. Reliability of Data: The reliability can be tested
by finding out:

a) Who collected the data?

b) What were the sources of data?
c) Were they collected by using proper methods?
d) At what time were they collected?
e) Was there any bias of the compiler?
f) What level of accuracy was desired?
g) Was it achieved ?
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 2. Suitability of Data
• The data that are suitable for one study
may not necessarily suitable for other
studies.
• Data which are unsuitable for the present
study should not be used.

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 3. Adequacy of data
• If the level of accuracy achieved is found to
be inadequate for the purpose of the
present study, it would be considered as
inadequate and should not be used by the
researcher.

Hence, the already available data should

be used by the researcher only when he
finds them reliable, suitable and adequate.

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 Selection of Appropriate Method for Data Collection
• The researcher must carefully select the
methods based on the following factors:

1. Nature, scope and object of research

• It is the most important factor affecting the
choice of a particular method.
• The method should suit the type of research to
be conducted by the researcher.
• This factor is important in deciding whether the
researcher will use secondary or primary data.

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 2. Availability of funds
• Availability of funds determines the
method to be used for the collection of
data.
• When funds are very limited, you should
select a comparatively cheaper
method.
• Finance is a big constraint in practice
and the researcher has to act within this
limitation.

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 3. Time factor
• Availability of time has also to be taken into
account in deciding a particular method of
data collection.
• Some methods take relatively more time, and
others take shorter duration.
• thus, data collection time affects the type
method to be used.
• Example: collection of seasonal products.

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 4. Precision required
• It is an important factor that affects the selection
of data collection methods.

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 Difference Between Survey and Experiment
Survey Research Experiment research
1. Are conducted as descriptive 1. Are experimental research
research studies studies.
2. usually have larger samples. 2. Need small samples.
3. are concerned with 3. the researcher measures the
describing, recording, effects of an experiment .
analyzing and interpreting 4. an example of laboratory
data. research.
4. An example of field research 5. Use samples
5. Use census or sample surveys. 6. Data are collected from
6. Data are collected via several readings of
interview/questionnaire/FGDs
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experiments. 17
 Advantage
• Saves cost for data collection.

• Saves time required for data collection.

Disadvantage
• Data collected may not be suitable for the researcher’s
purposes. (Validity)

• All necessary data may not be available in existing data.

• Requires time to search for the data set.

• Original data set may not be accurate.

• Existing data sets may contain more variables than what

the researchers need. Need time to sort out the data.

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