Data Collection &

Arrangements
What is DATA?????

Data are the set of values of qualitative or

quantitative variables about one or more persons
or objects.

 Data are simply units of information.

 Data are measured, collected, reported,
analyzed, and used to create
data visualizations such as graphs, tables or
Images.
Quantitative Data (Numerical)
 Data refers to measurable observations.

 Examples-
Quantitative Approach
 Data in numerical form
 Data that can be precisely measured
 age, cost, length, height, area, volume, weight,
speed, time, and temperature
 Harder to develop
 Easier to analyze

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Qualitative Data (categorial)

 Qualitative data is the data that can be arranged into categories

based on physical traits, gender, colors or anything that does not
have a number associated with it.
 Qualitative-involves more details tells you why, when and how!

 Examples-
Qualitative Approach

 Data that deal with description

 Data that can be observed or self-reported, but
not always precisely measured
 Less structured, easier to develop
 Can provide “rich data” — detailed and widely
applicable
 Is challenging to analyze
 Is labor intensive to collect
 Usually generates longer reports
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Which Data?
If you: Then Use:
- want to conduct statistical analysis

- want to be precise Quantitative

- know what you want to measure

- want to cover a large group

- want narrative or in-depth information

- are not sure what you are able to measure Qualitative

- do not need to quantify the results
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How to Decide on Data Collection Approach

 Choice depends on the situation

 Each technique is more appropriate in some
situations than others
 Caution: All techniques are subject to bias

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What is Data Collection?

➢It is the process by which the

researcher collects the information
needed to answer the research
problem.
➢The task of data collection begins
after a research problem has been
defined.
While collecting the data,the researcher
must decide:

➢Which data is to collect?

➢How to collect the Data?
➢Who will collect the Data?
➢When to collect the Data?
The Purpose of Data Collection
Methods of Data Collection

Essentialy Two Types:

➢PRIMARY DATA
Primary data are those which are collected for
the first time and are original in character.

➢SECONDARY DATA
Secondary data are those which have already
been collected by someone else.
Primary Data v/s Secondary Data
Methods of Collecting Primary Data

Primary • Observation
Data • Surveys
may be • Interviews
collected • Questionnaires
through: • Schedules
 1. Observation Method

Observation method is a method

under which data from the field is
collected with the help of observation
by the observer or by personally
going to the field.
Steps For An Effective
Observation

Determine what needs to be observed

Select participants
Random/Selected

Conduct the observation

(venue, duration, recording materials, take
photographs )

Compile data collected

Analyze and interpret data collected

 Types of OBSERVATION Methods

1- Structured Observation
When the observation is characterized by a careful definition
of the units to be observed (predefined), the style of recording the
observed information, standardized conditions of observation and
the selection of related data of observation.

2- Unstructured Observation
When it takes place without the above characteristics.
(Not predefined)
3- Participant Observation
When the observer is member of the group which he is observing then
it is Participant Observation.

4- Non-Participant Observation
When the observer is not the member of the group which he is
observing then it is Non-Participant Observation.
observer is observing people without giving any information to them
then it is Non-Paricipant Observation.
5- Uncontrolled Observation
When the observation takes place in natural contition i.e.,
uncontrolled observation.It is done to get spontaneous picture of life and
persons.

6- Controlled Observation
When observation takes place according to pre-arranged plans, with
experimental procedure then it is controlled observation generally done in
laboratory under controlled condition.
Advantages of observation Method

Produces Large quantities of data.

All data obtained from observations are usable.

The observation technique can be stopped or

begun at any time.

Relative Inexpensive
Disadvantages of observation Method

Interviewing selected subjects may provide more

information, economically, than waiting for the
spontaneous occurrence of the situation.
Extensive Training is needed.
Limited information
ONE OF THE WIDELY USED
Method TO COLLECT DATA IS

SURVEYS
How to collect Primary information through
survey

 A researcher can collect information

either
by observation

or

by asking.

 WHEN HE/SHE ASKS FOR INFORMATION,WE SAY THAT

HE/SHE IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY.
2. SURVEY Method

 A ‘survey’ is a technique of gathering information by

questioning those individuals who are the object of
the research belong to a representative sample,
through standardized or questioning procedure, with
the aim of studying the relationship among the
variables and/or collecting information that probably
describe the whole population.
There may be different ways to
conduct surveys…

Survey
Methods

Telephonic Personal Electronic

Survey

In-Home Computer-Assisted E-mail Internet

Personal Interviewing
3.Interview Method

➢The Interview Method of collecting

data involves presentation of oral-
verbal stimuli and reply in terms of
oral- verbal responses.
➢where the questions are asked
personally directly to the
respondent.
➢Interviewer asks questions to
respondent. (which are aimed to get
information required for study)
Steps For An Effective Interview
 Prepare interview schedule

 Select subjects/ key Respondent

 Conduct the interview

 Analyze and interpret data collected from the interview

Types of Interview Methods

1- Structured Interviews :
In this case, a set of predecided questions are
there.

2- Unstructured Interviews :
In this case, we don’t follow a system of pre-
determined questions.
 3- Focused Group Interview

 Unstructured and Free flowing

 Focus Group has one Moderator
 Moderator maintains control and
focuses discussion
 It involves 6 to 10 people
 Group interview start with broad
topic and focus in on specific
issues
 Relatively homogeneous
 Similar lifestyles and experiences
 Generate discussion and
interaction
 Listens to what people have to say
 Everyone gets a chance to speak
4- Clinical Interviews :
• Information is generated and utilized at every step
this process including the activities of investigation,
observation, monitoring, diagnosis, planning,
treatment and review.
• They also record their plans, orders, procedures
performed, observations, test results, opinions and
discussions.

5- Group Interviews :
It is done in a group of 6 to 8 individuals is
interviewed.
6- Qualitative and quantitative Interviews :
It is divided on the basis of subject matter i.e., whether
qualitative or quantitative.

7- Individual Interviews :
Interviewer meets a single person and interviews him.

8- Selection Interviews :
Done for selection of people for certain Jobs.
Advantages of Interview Method

More information at
greater depth can be
obtained

Resistance may be overcome

by a skilled interviewer

Personal information can be

obtained
Disadvantages of Interview Method

It is an expensive Method

Interviewer bias

Respondent bias

Time consuming
4.Questionnaires
➢The term “questionnaire” refers to an instrument
for the collection of data, usually in written form,
consisting of open/closed questions and other
enquiries requiring a response from subjects.

➢A Questionnaire is sent ( by post or by mail ) to

the persons concerned with a request to answer
the questions and return the Questionnaire.

➢A Questionnaire consists of a number of

questions printed in a definite order on a form.
Steps For An Effective Questionnaire

Prepare questions
(Formulate & choose types of questions, order them, write instructions, make copies)

Select your respondents

Random/Selected

Administer the questionnaire

(date, venue, time )

Tabulate data collected

Analyze and interpret data collected

Types of Questionnaire Methods

1- Open-ended questions
This gives the respondents the ability to respond in their own
words.
2- Close-ended or fixed alternative questions
This allows the respondents to choose one of the given
alternatives.
Types:- Dichotomous questions and Multiple Questions.
Essentials of Good Questionnaire

➢Should be short and simple

➢Follow a sequence of questions from
easy to difficult one
➢Technical terms should be avoided
➢Should provide adequate space for
answers in questionnaire
➢Directions regarding filling of
questionnaire should be given
➢Physical Appearance – Quality of paper,
Color Sequence must be clear
Advantages of questionnaire Method

Low cost –even when the universe is large and is

widespread

Free from interviewer bias

Responddents have adequate time to think through the

answers.

Respondents who are not easily approachable, can also

be reached conveniently.

Large samples can be used

Disadvantages of questionnaire Method

Time consuming

The respondents need to be educated and

cooperative

This method is slow

Possibility of unclear replies.

 5.Schedules

➢Very similar to Questionnaire

method
➢The main difference is that a
schedule is filled by the
enumerator who is specially
appointed for the purpose.
➢Enumerator goes to the
respondents, asks them the
questions from the
Questionnaire in the order
listed, and records the
responses in the space
provided.
➢Enumerator must be trained in
administering the schedule.
 Questionnaire Vs. Schedule

Questionnaire Schedule
➢Q generally send to through mail ➢Schedule is filled by
and no further assistance from the enumerator or
sender. research worker.
➢ Q is cheaper method. ➢ Costly requires field
➢ Non response is high. workers.
➢ In questionnaire, it is not ➢ Non response is low.
confirmed that expected ➢ In schedule identity of
respondent have filled the person is known.
answers.
 Questionnaire Vs. Schedule

Questionnaire Schedule
➢Very slow method. ➢Information is collected
➢Incomplete and wrong well on time.
➢Information is more. ➢Depends on Honesty of
the enumerator.
➢No personal contacts.
➢Direct personal contacts.
➢Depends on the quality
of questionnaire. ➢Relatively more correct and
complete.
➢Q can used only when
respondent is educated ➢Information can be
and well cooperative. collected from illiterates
also.
Secondary Data Collection Methods

• Data gathered and recorded by someone else.

• Secondary data is data that has been collected for
another purpose.
• It involves less cost, time and effort.
• Secondary data is data that is being reused. Usually in a
different context.
• For example: data from a book.
SOURCES of secondary data collection

INTERNAL SOURCES
Internal sources of secondary data are usually for
business application-
 Sales Records
 Marketing Activity
 Cost Information
 Distributor reports and feedback
 Customer feedback
 Annual reports
 Books of Accounts
 HR Sheets
 Operation Records
 External sources of secondary data
EXTERNAL
 Journals
SOURCES
 Books

 Magazines
 Newspaper
 Libraries
 The Internet
 Secondary Data Sources

 Other Sources of secondary data collection:

• Publications of Central, state , local government
• Technical and trade journals
• Books, Magazines, Newspaper
• Reports & publications of industry ,bank, stock
exchange
• Reports by research scholars, Universities,
economist
• Public Records
Factors to be considered before using
secondary data

• Reliability of data - Who, when , which methods, at what

time etc. must be investigated.

• Suitability of data – Object ,scope, and nature of original

inquiry should be studied, as if the study was with different
objective then that data is not suitable for current study

• Adequacy of data– Level of accuracy, • Area differences

then data is not adequate for study
Advantages of secondary data Method
Disadvantages of secondary data
Method
Selection of proper Method for
collection of Data

 Nature ,Scope and object of inquiry

 Availability of Funds

 Time Factor

 Accuracy Required
Data Arrangements

 Instrument Schedule.docx

 Coding and Entry DATA.xls

 Summarizing and Analysis