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Methods of Data Collection

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Shweta Acharya
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272 views

Methods of Data Collection

Uploaded by

Shweta Acharya
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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METHODS OF DATA

C O L L E C T IO N
Types of Data

There are two types of data:-


1. Primary Data- The data those are collected afresh
and for the first time, and thus happen to be
original in character.
2. Secondary Data- The data those which have already
been collected by someone else and which have
already been passed through the statistical process.
Collection of Primary Data

The various methods of primary data collection are:-


Observation method
Interview method
Questionnaires
Schedules
Observation Method

It is the most commonly used method in studies


relating to behavioral sciences
It becomes a scientific tool and the method of data
collection for the researcher when it serves a
formulated research purpose, is systematically
planned and recorded and is subjected to checks and
controls on validity and reliability
In this method the information is sought by way of
investigator’s own direct observation without asking
from respondent
Observation Method

Advantages
Subjective bias is eliminated, if observation is done
accurately.
The information obtained under this method relates
to what is currently happening
It is independent of the respondents’ willingness to
respond and as such is less les demanding of active
cooperation on the part of the respondents.
Observation Method

Limitations
It is an expensive method
Information provided by this method is very limited
Sometimes unforeseen factors may interfere with the
observational task
Some people are rarely accessible to direct
observation creates obstacles for this method to
collect data effectively
Observation Method

The observations can be


Structured Observation
Unstructured Observation
Participant Observation
Non-participant Observation
Uncontrolled Observation
Controlled Observation
Interview Method

 The interview method of collecting data involves


presentation of oral-verbal stimuli and reply in terms
of oral-verbal responses.
This method can be used through
1. Personal interviews and, if possible, through
2. Telephone interviews
Personal Interviews

This method requires a person known as the


interviewer asking questions generally in a face to face
contact to the other person or persons
This sort of interview may be in the form of direct
personal investigation or it may be indirect oral
investigation
Former method is suitable for extensive investigations
Latter method is used by the commissions and
committees appointed by government to carry on
investigations
Personal Interviews

Personal interview method can be


Structured Interviews
Unstructured Interviews
Focused interview
Clinical interview
Non-directive interview
Personal Interviews

Advantages
More information and that too in greater depth can
be obtained
Interviewer by his own skill can overcome the
resistance if any
There is a greater flexiblility in this method
Personal information can as well be obtained easily
Personal Interviews

Disadvantages
It is very expensive methos
There remains the possibility of the bias of the
interviewer
This method is relatively more time consuming
The presence of the interviewer on the spot may over
– stimulate the respondent
Telephone Interviews

This method of collecting information consists in


contacting respondents on telephone itself.
It is not very widely used method, but plays
important part in industrial survey
Collection of Data through Questionnaires

This method of data collection is quite popular,


particularly in case of big enquiries
It is being adopted by the private individuals,
research workers, private and public organisations
and even by governments
In this method a questionnaire is sent to the persons
concerned with the request to answer the questions
and return the questionnaire
Collection of Data through Questionnaires

Advantages
Low cost method
Free from bias of the interviewer; answers are in
respondents’ own words
Respondents have adequate time to give well
thought out answers
Respondents, who are not easily approachable, can
also be reached conveniently.
Collection of Data through Questionnaires

Disadvantages
Low rate of duly filled in questionnaires
It can be used only when respondents are educated
and cooperating
The control over questionnaire may be lost once it is
sent
There is inbuilt inflexibility because of the difficulty
of ammending the approah once questionnaire has
been dispatched
Collection of Data through Questionnaires

There is also the possibility of ambiguous replies or


omission of replies. Interpretation of omission is
difficult
It is difficult to know whether willing respondents
are truly representative
This method is likely to be the slowest of all
Collection of Data through Schedules

This method is very much like the collection of data


through questionnaire
These are being filled in by the enumerators who are
specially appointed for the purpose
These enumerators along with schedules, go to
respondents, put to them the questions from the
proforma
Enumerators explain the aims and objectives of
investigation and also remove the difficulties which
any respondent may feel in understanding
Collection of Data through Schedules

This method requires the careful selection of


enumerators
The enumerators should be trained to perform their
job well
Enumerators should be intelligent and must possess
the capacity of cross examination in order to find out
the truth
Population census all over the world is conducted
through this method.
Thank You!

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