SAMRITI GOEL

MBA LECTURER
 METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION.
The task of data collection begins after a research
problem has been defined and research design
plan has been made.
Two types of data:
1) Primary data
2)Secondary data
COLLECTION OF PRIMARY DATA.
There are several methods of collecting primary data.
Important one are:-
1.Observation Method
2.Interview Method
3.Through Questionnaires
4.Through Schedules
OBSERVATION METHOD
The observation method is most commonly used
method specially in studies relating to behavioural
sciences.
In a way we all observe things around us.
Under this the information sought by way of
investigator’s own direct observation without asking
from the respondents.
OBSERVATION METHOD
ADVANTAGES
1. Subjective bias is eliminated,if observation is
done accurately.
2. Information under this is related to what is
currently happening,it is not complicated by
either the past behaviour or future intentions or
attitudes.
3. This method is independent of respondents
willingness to respond & as such is relatively less
demanding of active cooperation on the part of
respondents .
4. It is particularly suitable in studies which deal
with subjects who are not capable of giving
verbal reports of their feelings.
 DISADVANTAGES

1. Expensive method.
2. Information provided by this method is
very limited.
3. Sometime unforseen factors may interfere
with the observational task.
4. At times ,the fact that some people are
rarely accessible to direct observation
creates obstacle for this method to collect
data effectively.
INTERVIEW METHOD
Interview method of collecting data involves
presentation of oral-verbal stimuli & reply in same.
It can be used through:-
PERSONAL INTERVIEW
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Personal interview method requires a person known as
the interviewer asking questions generally in a face-to-
face contact to the interviewee.
INTERVIEW METHOD (personal)

Advantages Disadvantages
 More information& that too  Expensive method when
in greater depth can be widely spread geographical
obtained. sample is taken.
 Flexibility to restructure  Personal bias of interviewer
question is always there. as well as that of respondent.
 Personal information can as  More time consuming.
well be obtained easily under  Selecting ,training
this method. &supervising the field staff is
 Language of interview can be required
adopted to the ability of
interviewee.
Telephone interviews
Advantages DISADVANTAGES
 It is more flexible in  Surveys are restricted to
comparison to mailing respondents who have
method. telephone facilities.
 Recall is easy ; callbacks are  Extensive geographical
simple and economical. coverage may get restricted
 Interviewer can explain by cost considerations.
requirements more easily.  Possibility of the bias of
 No field staff is required. interviewer is relatively more.
 Representative and wider  Questions have to be short
distribution of sample is and to the point.
possible.
THROUGH QUESTIONNAIRES
This method of data collection is quite popular,
particularly in case of big enquiries.
A questionnaire consists of a number of questions
printed in a definite order on a form.
The questionnaire is mailed to respondents who are
expected to read & understand the questions & write
down the reply in the space meant for the purpose in
the questionnaire itself.
QUESTIONNAIRES
ADANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
 Low cost even when the  Low rate of return of the
universe is large &is widely duly filled in
spread. questionnaires.
 It is free from bias of  Only educated
interviewer. &cooperating respondents
can be used.
 Respondents have adequate
 No control over the
time to give well thought out
questionnaire once it is
answers.
sent.
 Large samples can be made
 This method is slowest of
use of & thus the results can all.
be made more reliable.
THROUGH SCHEDULES
This method is very much like the same as
questionnaire but difference is of enumerator only.
These enumerators along with schedules go to
respondents put to them the question from performa
and record the replies in the space meant for the same.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUESTIONNAIRE&SCHEDULES
1.Questionnaire is generally sent through 1.Schedules is generally filled by the
mail to informants to be answered. research worker or enumerator, who
can interpret the questions when
necessary.
2.Data collection is cheap.
2.Data collection is more expensive as
3.Non response is usually high as many money is spent on enumerators.
people do not respond. 3.Non response is very low because this is
filled by enumerators.
4.It is not clear that who replies. 4.Identity of respondent is known.
5.The questionnaire method is likely to 5.Information is collected well in time.
be very slow since many respondents
do not return the questionnaire.
6.No personal contact is possible in case 6.Direct personal contact is established.
of questionnaire.
COLLECTION OF SECONDARY DATA
Following characterstics of data should be considered before using
data:

1. Reliability of data
2. Suitability of data
3. Adequacy of data
 CASE STUDY METHOD

o Case study method involves a careful and complete observation of a

o It places more emphasis on the full analysis of a limited no. Of events

o It is an intensive investigation

o The main object is to locate the factors that account for the
behavioural patterns of the given unit
Researcher can take one single social unit or more of such
units for his study purpose
Selected unit is studied intensively
Apporach having to be qualitatively
Mutual inter-relationship is known
Behavioural pattern of unit is studied
Fruitful hypothese
ADVANTAGES

Enable us to fully understand the behaviour pattern