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Data Collection and Processing

The document discusses the importance of data collection and processing in research, distinguishing between primary and secondary data. Primary data is first-hand information that is reliable but costly and time-consuming, while secondary data is readily available but may be outdated or biased. Various methods for collecting primary data, such as surveys and observations, are also outlined, along with their advantages and limitations.

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4 views

Data Collection and Processing

The document discusses the importance of data collection and processing in research, distinguishing between primary and secondary data. Primary data is first-hand information that is reliable but costly and time-consuming, while secondary data is readily available but may be outdated or biased. Various methods for collecting primary data, such as surveys and observations, are also outlined, along with their advantages and limitations.

Uploaded by

aayushig1915
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Data Collection and

Processing
Dr. Manisha Ajara Shah
Introduction
• Data play an important role in research
• Data includes facts, information or premises systematically Collected for
drawing inferences.
Types of Data Collection

Types of
Data
Primary Secondary
Data Data
Primary Data
• Constitute first-hand information
• Also called as original data
Characteristics / Features of Primary Data
• Qualitative data
• Reliable and updated information
• Time consuming and also costly / expensive
• Not easily available
• Requires proper drafted questionnaire
• Completes gap in the secondary data
• Reliable, updated, accurate and dependable
Primary Data

Advantages Limitations
• First hand information • Costly / Expensive
• Detailed information • Time consuming
• Accurate and reliable information • Supervision and control
• Bias of interviewers and respondents
• Availability of specific data
• Poor response
• Supplement to secondary data
• Need further processing
• Additional information from respondents
• Involves huge paper work
• Improves the quality of research work
• Sampling error is possible
• Miscellaneous advantages • Quick decision making is not possible
Importance of Primary Data
• Sound foundation of research work • Efficient spending
• Indispensable input • Participation of respondents
• Useful to society
• First hand information
• Greater control
• Proprietary information
Secondary Data
• Collected by someone else
• Easily or readily available in the published form
• Used extensively in academic research
Features
• Recorded and published sources • Too much dependence on
secondary data is undesirable
• Data are not new or original
• Supportive in character
• Only after testing accuracy,
reliability and relevance
• Collected from internal and
external source
Secondary Data

Advantages Limitation
• Available easily, quickly and economically • May be outdated data
• Data by small agencies may be defective
• Directly or naturally
• Absence of reliability
• All the aspect of marketing problem
• May not be relevant
• Completing research
• May not be sufficient
• Comparing and interpreting primary data
• Miscellaneous limitation
• Evaluating research findings • Lack of in-depth information
• Time saving • Biased information available

• Supplement and support to primary data • Unsuitability


• Quality of work
Significance of Secondary Data
• Supportive role
• Ready availability
• Economical
• No issues regarding disclosures
• Comparative analysis is possible
• Huge volume of data available
• Reliable sampling
Sources of Secondary Data

Internal-Within the Co. External-Outside the Co.


• Old statistical records and correspondence • Trade journals
• Sales invoice / sales force report • Directories
• Accounting data • Subscription services
• Production statistics • Publications of trade associations and chambers
• Sales information • Publication of management and economic consultants
• Financial records • Publication of banks and financial institutions
• Department budget and reports • Company reports
• Old research and survey reports • Specialized library
• Periodical progress report • Government publication and publication of international
organization
Sources / Methods of Primary Data Collection

Sources / Methods of Primary Data Collection


Survey Method / Field Observation Experimental
Investigation method Method

Mail Telephonic Personal Consumer


Live Mechanical Field Laboratory
Survey Survey interview panels
Observation Method of Primary Data
Collection
• Also known as observation research
• Means gathering of primary data by observing relevant people, action and situation
• Acc. Oxford Dictionary, Observation means “accurate watching and noting of
phenomena as they occur in nature with regard to cause and effect or mutual
relation”
• It involves recording of events/actions as they take place in the environment
• Scientific observation is always purposeful, economical and immensely useful to
researcher
Observation Method of Primary Data
Collection
Features Methods/Types
• Accurate watching and noting • Simple Direct Observation
• Indirect Observation
• Reliable, accurate, scientific and • Structured Observation
systematic
• Unstructured Observation
• Mental or physical • Mechanical Observation
• Well-defined objectives/purposeful • Manual/Human Observation
• Disguised and Undisguised Observation
Observation Method of Primary Data
Collection
Merits/Advantages Limitations/Disadvantages
• Accuracy • Certain elements missing

• Factual Information Available • Human errors possible


• Purpose is defeated, if secrecy is not maintained
• Records events as they occur
• Observer’s bias
• Economical
• Limited application
• Objective data available • Time consuming
• Accuracy in mechanical devices • Expensive method
• Effective method
Experimental Method of Primary Data
Collection
Meaning Types
• A process where events occur in a • Field setting
setting at the discretion/option of • Product design, Package Design,
the researcher and controls are used Pricing Policies, Distribution Policies,
to identify the sources of variation Promotion Policy
in respondent’s response
• Laboratory setting
Experimental Method of Primary Data
Collection
Advantages Disadvantages
• Clearly defined • Costly and time consuming

• To take quick decision • Requires trained staff


• Administration problem
• Realism
• Controlling variables is difficult
• Unbiased feedback
• Competitors may weaken the test market
• Direct or first hand info. result

• Reliable and relevant info.


• Lack of theoretical base

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