Sources of data collection

Collection of data can be classified into two types

1. Primary data
2. Secondary data
Primary and secondary data
Primary data are those which are collected for the first time and they are
original in character.if an individual or an office collects the data to study a
particular problem, the data are the raw materials of the inquiry. They are
primary data collected by the investigator first time to study any particular
problem.
Secondary data are those which are already collected by someone for
some purpose and are available for the present study. For instance, the data
collected during census operations or primary data to the department of census
and the same data if used by a research worker for some study, are secondary
data.
Method of primary data collection
For collection of primary data the investigator may choose anyone of the
following method
• Direct personal observation
• Indirect oral interview
• Information through agencies
• Mailed questioner knew
• Schedule send through enumerator
• Direct personal observation
Direct personal observation
Under this method come out the data is collected by the investigator
personally. The investigator must be a keen observer, tactful and courteous in
behaviour. He ask or cross examines the informant and collect necessary
information. The enquiry is intensive rather than extensive. For instance, if one
wants to study the living conditions of the people in a village, he has to go to the
village contact the people and get the needed information it is original in
character.
Merits
• Original data or collected
• A high degree of accuracy can be aimed
Demerits
• It is unsuitable where the area is large
• It is expensive and time consuming
Indirect oral interview
Under this method investigator approach the witness or third parties, who
are in touch with informant. For instance we are asked to collect information
relating to the gambling or drinking habit of people. In such cases the informant
will be relevant to supply information relating to their own social evil habits.
On such occasions we may approach the dealers of liquid shops,friends ,
neighbours etc to get the needed information. Generally this method is
employed by different enquiry committees and commissions. The police
investigate the third parties who passes knowledge about the happening
understudy.
Merits
• It is simple and convenient
• It saves time, money an Labour
Demerits
• Interview with an improper man will spoil the result
• The careless attitude of the informant will affect the degree of accuracy.
Information through agencies
Under this method, a local agent or correspondence will be appointed, they
collect the information and transmit it to the office or person. They do this
according to their own way and taste. The system is adopted by the newspapers,
periodicals, agencies etc when information is needed in different field, for
example riots, strike, accidents,share market, sports, policies, etc. The informant
are generally called correspondent.
Merits
• It is the most cheap and economical method .
• Speed information as possible
Demerits
• Degree of accuracy cannot be maintained
 • Data may not be original
• Uniformity can be maintained.
Mailed-questionnaire
This method a questionnaire consisting of a list of questions pertaining to
the enquiry is prepared. There are blank spaces for answers. This questionnaire
is sent to the respondent who are expected to write the answer in the blank
spaces. Your covering letter is also sent along with the questionnaire and
returning the questionnaire duly filled in time. To get quick and better response
the return postage expenses is borne by the investigator by sending a self
addressed and stamped envelope. This method is adopted by research work
private individuals,non- official agencies , state and central government.
Merit
• It can be widely used to come up in the area of investigation is large.
• It saves money Labour and time
Demerits
• The merits this method is suitable only for literate people. In many
countries, there are illiterate people who cannot understand and apply the
questionnaire
• There is long delay in receiving questionnaire duly filled in.
Schedule sent through enumerator
It is the most widely used method of collection of primary data. A
number of enumerator are selected and trained. They are provided with
standardised questionnaires specific training an instruction or given to them for
filling up schedules
Merits
• This method is very useful in extension property
• Even yield reliable and accurate result because the enumerator or
educated and trained .
Demerits
• This is a very costly method as the enumerator or trained and paid for.
• Personal bias of the enumerator may lead to false conclusion.
Sources of secondary-data.
The various sources of secondary data can be divided into two broad
categories.
 • Published source
• Unpublished source
Published-sources
Various governmental, international and local agencies publishes statistical
data and chief among them are
• International publication
Internal agencies on international bodies publish regular in occasional report
on economic and statistical matter. They are the I.M.F,I.B.R.D,the I.C.A.F.E
and U.N.O,etc..
• Official publication of central and state government
Department of the union and state governments regularly publish report on a
number of subjects. They gather additional information. Some of the important
publication or the Reserve Bank of India Bulletin, census of India, statistical
abstract of status , agricultural statistics of India, Indian trades Journal etc
• Semi official publication.
Semi government institution, like Municipal Corporation, district board
panchayat etc published reports.
• Publication of research institution
Indian statistical institution, Indian council of agricultural research, Indian
agricultural statistics Research Institute etc published the finding of the
research programme
• Publication of commercial and financial institution .
• Report of various committees and commissions applied appointed by the
government.
For example wanchoo Commission report on taxation, pay Commission report,
land reforms committee report, etc are the sources of secondary data
• Journals and newspapers
Current and important material on statistics and socio economic problem can
be obtained from journals and newspapers like economic times,, commerce
capital, Indian finance, monthly statistics of trade etc.
Unpublished resources
There are various sources of unpublished data. They are the records
maintained by various government and private officers , the results carried out
by individual research scholars in the universities of research institutes.
Framing a questioner
The questionnaire is the media of communication between the
investigator and the respondent the success of an investigation depends on the
construction of the questionnaire. As such atmost care and caution are essential
for designing or drafting the questionnaire. It requires great care, skill, wisdom,
efficiency and experience. There are no hard and fast rules to be followed, but
the following general points may be born in mind
The question is should be brief
The number of questions in the investigation should be as small as
possible because people do not feel happy in answering a long questions. All the
question must be relevant to the problem under investigation .
The question should be simple to understand
It must also be clear, unambious, brief, precise, courteous in tone and
corroborative in nature. Different type of questions may be formed to fulfil the
object of the investigation.
Question should be arranged logically
The question must be arranged in logical in manner.There must be
choice.There are three types of questions.
Simple alternative question
Such question must be answered in yes or no, right or wrong .
Example:
Do you go to your college by college Bus?
Multiple choice question
In this type of questions, many answer written and the informant should
mark against anyone of them. These type of questions are convenient and easy
for the informant to answer by placing a sign(√ ) in the appropriate column. It
alsofacilitate easy tabulation.
Specific information question.
This type of question is used when the investigator needs some specific
information.
For example ,what is your occupation? How many children do you have?
Proper words should be used in the questionnaire
• Local words which are not in use
• .Words representing respect example servant master etc
• Complex words
 • Perhaps mostly,etc
• We must use the right word in the right place
Questions of a sensitive and personal nature should be avoided
As far as possible, questions of religious or personal or political nature
should not be asked. Sometimes, the informant may dislike such type of
questions and may not give correct information.
Necessary instruction should be given to the informant.
The questioner should give necessary instruction to the information in
ferment. So that the informant does not face any difficulties. For example if
there is a question on height it should be explained clearly whether the height is
to be measured in meters or foot
Question related to mathematical calculation should not be asked
There are people who do not know mathematics and so such type of
question must be avoided
Question should be capable of an objective answer
This type of question is known as multiple choice question. This type is easy
for the respondent to answer and also easy for tabulation. For example how do
you spend your time other than college hours?
• By reading novels
• By going to films
• By talking with friends
• By sitting at home
• By going to friends house
A Questionnaire should look attractive
The construction of the question is should be attractive through proper
layout and should induce the information to comply.
Pre testing the questionnaire must be done before posting it.
Shortcoming of the questionnaire can be discovered by pre testing the
questionnaire.
The accuracy of the questionnaire must be judged
After pre testing the questionnaire, we can judge their accuracy of
thequestionnaireer. Thus we can know the accurate picture of the information.
Types of interview
 Interviews can be classified on the basis of various characteristics and
qualities. From the point of view of the object, the interviews can be classified as
1.Clinical interview 2.Selection interview 3.Diagnostic interview 4.Research
interview.

When interviews are classified according to the functions and

methodology, they can be 1.Non Directed interview 2.Focused interview
3.Repeated interview 4. Depth interview.
Similarly the interviews can be categorised on account of the number of
respondents as 1.Group interview 2.Individual Interview.

On the basis of the form on nature of the interview, the interviews can
further be categorised as1. Structured 2. Unstructured

Clinical interview

Clinical interview is concerned with the course of Individuals life

experience. The interviewer knows in Advance what accepts or feeling or
Experience he wants the respondent’s to talk about but the method of Eliciting
Information is more or less completely left to his discretion. The most common
types of clinical interviews are those conducted during social case work in
psychiatric clinics and in prison Administration

Structure type of interview

In this type of interview complete set of well defined questions are used
and therefore it is highly standardised In form or Content. Information is
collected By the investigator by directly asking the respondents on the basis of a
questionnaire. The specific questions and their order etc.,are Prefix. Therefore
interviewer has no freedom to ask extra questions .the Interviewer’s job is to see
that the respondent’s answer the questions systematicallyand clearly. Structured
into your method is used when data is to be collected from a large number of
persons. It helps in systematic collection, comparison, Organisation And analysis
of data within a limited time.. The success of interview depends to great extent
on how the questionnaire is administered.

Unstructured interview
Unstructured interview method is the one in which the questions are not
essentially pre planned, structured or ordered. The interviewer or given some
broad topics upon which they have to collect information. The respondent’s are
free to narrate their experience and incidents of life. In unstructured interview the
interviewer must be able to handle lengthy conversation. He should be capable of
collecting highly personal matters. Often Arrangement and wordings of the
question are to be determined on the spot by the interviewer this method are used
for more intensive study of individuals mental processes like attitude’s,
motivations, perceptions etc......

Focused interview

This is a controlled interview the main objective of this interview is to

focus the attention on a the respondent Anya particular aspect to get his reaction.
It is used to test a particular type of hypothesis. The interviewer knows in
advance the aspect of a question He has to cover. He has more or less complete
freedom to decide the Manner and the sequence in which the questions should be
asked. The questions in this type of interview are predetermined and pre-planned.
The questions are framed on the basis of the explanations about the behaviour of
persons about which study has already been made and hypothesis formulated.
Such interviews are generally based on Predetermined or pre studied situations.
They are generally used for testing the social psychological reactions and
attitudes.

Non-direct interview

This is an uncontrolled interview in which no classification Plan is drawn

About questions to be asked. In the non directive interview the initiative too is
more or less completely in the hand of the respondent. In this type off interview
the interviewers function is simply to encourage the respondent to talk about the
given topic with that basic minimum guidance. Through dialogues and
conversation The respondent is encouraged to exhibit and express his knowledge
and views. There is no control direction so far as questions are concerned.

Diagnostic interview

When the object of the interview is to find out The serious causes of Some
social events or problems it is called diagnostic interview. This interview is
confined to find out the causes.

Research interview:

Under This type of Interview we tried to gain Information pertaining to a

specific problem. For this purpose, a Comprehensive study is made about the
problem so that the causes will be found out in detail. Under this method the
questions to be asked are predetermined.

Selection interview:

This type of interview is done with the object of selecting a person On the
basis of certain traits and qualities. The interviewer through interview ascertain
the qualities that are required and make a selection.

Repeated interview

These are interviews carried out after certain interviews in a repeated

manner. The main Task of the interview is to study those dynamic functions and
attitudes that influence, guide and determine the behaviour of certain Individuals.
Such interviews are conducted at regular intervals to mark the gradual effect
respectively. They are helpful from the point of view of study of human
behaviour they save a lot of time and energy as compared to the result that is
secured through this type of interview.

Depth interview

This is an Intensive and search interview Aiming at studying the

respondents opinion, emotions or convictions On the basis of an interview guide
food stop this aims at eliciting unconscious as well as extremely personal
feelings and emotions. This is generally a lengthy procedure designed to
encourage free expression Of information From respondents. Depth interview are
designed to discover underlying motive, and desires of respondents. They are
often used in Motivational research.

Group interview

When interviews are conducted on a group of respondents it Is called

group interview. Here information are collected by ascertaining the views of a
group of persons.

Individual interview

When the interview is confirmed to an individual informant it is called

individual interview. So in individual interview the information are collected
from individual.

Schedule method

A schedule is a device used in collecting field data when survey method is

applied. It is used in direct interview. A schedule is a performer containing set of
questions and tables. This proforma is filled by field staff who is specially
appointed for the purpose. The field staff or persons acting under the direction of
researcher. Schedules are prepared and sent through the field staff who collects
replies to the questions in the schedule. This method of data collection is like the
collection of data through questionnaire, the difference being that the schedules
are filled by the field staff.
Difference between questionnaire and schedules

Schedules Questionnaire

1.Generally filled out by the researcher 1.Sent by the post to respondent, to

worker or the field worker . answer as specified in the covering
letter.

2.The method is relatively more costly 2.The method is relatively cheap since
since many and enumerators are to be no field staff is required.
appointed and trained.

3.The response is better since the 3.Responds to the questioner is poor.

numerator clears the doubt of the Many questionnaires are returned
respondents and get the replies from without being answered.
the respondent at the spot itself.

4.Time Consumption is less since the 4.Time Consumption is more since the
replies are obtained at the moment of questioner or not returned soon.
interview itself .

5.Direct personal contact is established 5.There is no direct personal contact

with the respondents. since the questioner are sent by post.

6.This method can be applied even if 6 .This method can be used only if the
the respondent are not literate. respondent are literates.

7.Information collected is generally 7.The information collected maybe

complete and accurate. really usually incomplete.

8.Even if the quality of the schedule is 8.The quality of the questionnaire and
not good the enumerator can address its appearance are also important in
it.Also it is not necessary that the order to attract the attention of the
schedule is attractive. respondents.
\

Classification
The process of arranging data in groups are classes according to
resemblance and similarities is technically called classification.Thus by
classification we tried to form groups of homogeneous characters . Therefore in
classification of data units have common characteristics are placed in one class
and the whole data are thus divided into a number of classes . Facts in one class
differ from those of another class with respect to some characteristics propose to
by them. These characteristic forms the basis of classification. For example the
student of your class may be grouped according to their marks. The shops may
be grouped on the basis of the sales they do. The letter for delivery in at post
office maybe shorted out according to the place to which they belong. Thus the
marks,sales areas etc in the above examples or the respective characteristics
which formed the basis for the classification. when the data are classified they
give a summary of the whole information. so classification is a process of
summarising the data.

Objectives of classification
The chief objectives of classification are
1. To condense the mass of data
2. To present the fact in a simple form
3. To bring out clearly the point of similarly and dissimilarity.
4. To facilitate comparison
5. To bring out the relationship
6. To prepare data for tabulation
7. To facilitate the status ticks of the data
8. To facilitate easy interpretation
9. To eliminate unnecessary details
Rules of classification
 It is important that classification should process the following guiding
principles.

Exactness
The classes should be rigidly defined. They should not lead to any
ambiguity or confusion.

Mutually exclusive
Each item of data must find its place in one class. The classes must not overlap.
Stability
Only one principle must be maintained (ie) the same pattern of classification
throughout the analysis. Then only it will facilitate meaningful comparison
become an Ideal classification .

Feasibility
The classification should be feasible and easy to add just a new situation
and circumstance.

Suitability
The classification should be suitable for the object of inquiry.
Homogeneity
The items included in each class must be homogeneous.For example a
classification into employed an unemployed youth is not adequate to judge the
effect of education but further each of them may then be classified into literate
and illiterate.

Mathematical accuracy
Items included in total and sub total of each class and subclass must be
the same. Therefore mathematical accuracy is very important in the
classification of data .

Types of classification
The classification of data primarily depends on the purpose and
objectives of the inquiry .There are four important types of classification.
1. Geographical (ie) area wise or region or district wise.

2. Chronological or historical (ie) on the basis of time.

3 .Qualitative by characters or by attributes.
4. Quantitative or numerical or by magnitude.
Geographical classification
In geographical or spatial classification ,The basis of classification is a
geographical or location differences between various items in the statistical data
like States, Districts,Cities, Taluk,, Region, Zone area etc…
Example
Name of town Number of cookers
Madras 15,000
Trichy 13,000

Madurai 11000
Coimbatore 8000
Kanyakumari 4000
Chronological classification
This type of start testicle data is classified according to the time of its
occurrence Commerce such as years, month, week ,hours etc .For example
census data are expressed indicates, national income is expressed every year,
departmental sales are expressed every month or week
Example
Year Population
1921 248
1931 276
1941 313
1951 357
1961 438

Qualitative classification
when the data are classified according to some quality or attributes, such
as sex, honesty, intelligence, literacy, blindness, colour , deafness, religion,
marital status etc. the classification is termed as qualitative or descriptive
attributes
It can be classified into two types
1. Simple classification
2 .Manifold classification
Simple classification
If the data are classified into only two classes, such as literate and
illiterate, honest and dishonest,skilled and unskilled.The classification is termed
as simple classification.
Example
Population Population
Male female literate illiterate
Manifold classification
In manifold classification, the universe is classified on the basis of more
than one attribute at a time. Example
Population
Male Female
Literate illiterate literate illiterate
Married Unmarried Married Unmarried Married Unmarried
Married Unmarried

Quantitative classification
If the data are classified according to some characteristic which is capable
of quantitative measurement luggage income height weight price production
sales profit. it is called quantitative classification example
Marks No of Students
10-20 10
20-30 07
30-40 13
40-50 18
50-60 12

Tabulation of data
Definition
A Statistical table is a systematic organization of data in columns and rows.
Tabulation is the process of publishing presenting data in table.

Parts of tabulation
A good status tickle table is an art the following parts must be presented in
all table
• Table number
• Title
• Headnote
• Caption
• Stubs
• Body of the table
• Footnote
• Source note
Table number
A table should always be numbered for identification and reference in the
future. Each column should also be numbered as shown in the illustration.

Title of the table

Each table should be given a suitable title. It must be returned on the top of
table. It must describe the content of the table. It must explain what the data are,
where the data are? Time and period of data, how the data or classified? Etc…

Head note
It is a statement yet given below the title and enclosed in brackets
Example the unit of measurement is returned as a headnote, such as ‘in million’
or ‘in crore
Caption
There are heading for the critical columns vertical columns. They must be
brief and self explanatory. They have main headings and sub headings and must be
written in small letter.

Stubs
They wrote the headings or designation for the horizontal rows. Stubs are
wider than columns.

Body of the table

It contains the numerical information. It is the most important part of the
table. The arrangement in the body is generally from left to right and from top to
bottom in columns.

Food note.
If any explanatory or elaboration regarding any items is necessary, foot
note should be given.

Source note.
It refers to the source from where information has been taken. It is usefulto
reader to check the figure and gather additional information.
Example
Subheading Caption TT otal
Column heading Column heading
Stubs entries Body of Table
Total