Collection of Data
Collection of Data
Chapter -2
Difference btw
Primary and
Secondary data
Indirect Oral Investigation
It is the method by which information is obtained not from the persons regarding whom the
information is needed. It is collected orally from other persons who are expected to possess
the necessary information. Merits and demerits of this method are given below
(a) Merits
•Wide coverage
•Expert opinion
•Simple
•Less expensive
•Free from bias
(b) Demerits
•Less accurate
•Doubtful conclusions
•Biased
Information from Local Sources or
Correspondents
Under this method, the investigator appoints local persons or correspondents at different
places.
(a) Merits
•Economical
•Wide coverage
•Continuity
•Suitable for special purpose
(b) Demerits
•Loss of originality
•Lack of uniformity
•Personal bias
•Less accurate
•Delay in collection
Enumerator’s Methods
Under this method enumerator himself fills the schedules after seeking information from the
informants.
To evaluate the reliability, applicability, and sufficiency of the data, the following points
are to be kept in mind:
4. Accuracy:
The data should be verified for accuracy while using secondary data. It is crucial to use fair data
to avoid biases and prejudices, which can lead to false conclusions. The data should be rejected
if they don’t meet the required level of accuracy.
6. Definition of Unit:
The unit of measurement employed while collecting data for the first time must be the same as
adopted in the present study. In case of a difference between units of measurement of initial
data and the present study, data must be modified before further use.
Suitability of Census
Intensive
Size of Similar item in High degree of
examination of
population is the population accuracy is not
different items
very large (homogeneous) needed
are not required
Random Sampling
Convenience sampling
Quota Sampling
d. Stratified random sampling
In this method, the universe or the entire population is divided into ‘strata’, i.e., a number of homogenous groups. Then
from each ‘stratum’ or group, a certain number of items are taken at random.
● Example: To select two monitors randomly in a class of 40 students. First of all students are divided into two
homogeneous groups, i.e., boys and girls and then each one is selected from them randomly.
Merits
Demerits
● Under this method, the whole population is arranged ‘alphabetically’, ‘geographically’, ‘numerically’, or in some other systematic
order.
● Then every ‘nth’ item is selected as a sample item. Where ‘n’ stands for any number.
● For better results, a list of items should be completely random and the first items should be selected using a simple random sampling
method.
Merits
Demerits