Class 11 Notes Chapter 2 Collection of Data
Sources of Data There are two sources of data
Primary Source of Data It implies collection of data from
its source of origin.
Secondary Source of Data It implies collection of data
from some agency or institution which already happens
to have collected the data through statistical survey.
Types of Data There are two types of data
Primary Data Data collected by the investigator for his
own purpose for the first time, from beginning to end
are called primary data.
Secondary Data These data have already been
collected by somebody else, these are available in the
form of published or unpublished report.
Principal Differences between Primary and Secondary Data
Primary data are original and secondary data are
already in existence and therefore, are not original.
Primary data do not need any adjustment, secondary
data need to be adjustment to suit the objective of study
in hand.
Primary data are expensive and secondary data are
less expensive.
Statistical Methods of Data Collection
(i) Direct Personal Investigation
It is the method by which data are personally collected by
the investigator from the information. Merits and demerits of
this method are follows.
(a) Merits
Originality
Reliability
Uniformity
Accuracy
Related information
Elastic
(b) Demerits
Difficult to cover wide areas
Costly
Personal bias
Limited coverage
(ii) 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
(iii) Information from Local Sources or Correspondents
Under this method, the investigator appoints local persons
or correspondents at different places. Merits and demerits of
this method are given below
(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
(iv) Information Through Questionnaries and Schedules
There are two ways of collecting information on the basis of
questionnaire
(a)Mailing Method Under this method questionnaires are
mailed to the informants. The method is most suited when
The area of the study is very wide.
The informants are educated.
(b) Enumerator’s Methods Under this Method enumerator
himself fills the schedules after seeking information from the
informants. This method is mostly used when
field of investigation is large.
the investigation need specialised and skilled
investigation.
the investigators are well versed in the local language
and cultural norms of the informants.
(c) Collection of Secondary Data There are two main
sources of secondary data
Published sources
Unpublished sources
(d) Published Sources Some of the published source of
secondary data are
Government publication
Semi-government publication
Reports of committees and commissions
Publications of trade associations
Publication of research institutions
Journals and papers
Publication of research scholars
International publication
(e) Unpublished Sources These data are collected by the
government organisations and others, generally for their self
use or office record.
In order to assess the reliability, suitability and
adequacy of the data, the following points must be kept
in mind
Ability of the collecting organisation
Objective and scope
Method of collection
Time and condition of organisation
Definition of the unit
Accuracy
(v) Census ‘Method
Census method is that method in which data are collected
covering every item of the universe or population relating to
the problem under investigation. Merits and demerits of this
method are given follows
(a) Merits
Reliable and accurate
Less biased
Extensive information
Study of diverse characteristic
Study of complex investigation
Indirect investigation
(b) Demerits
Costly
Large manpower
Not suitable for large investigation
(vi) Sample Method
It is that method in which data is collected about the sample
on a group of items taken from the populations for
examination and conclusions are drawn on their basis.
Merits and demerits of this method are given below
(a) Merits
Economical
Time saving
Identification of error
Large investigation
Administrative convenience
More scientific
(b) Demerits
Partial
Wrong conclusions
Difficulty in selecting representative sample
Difficulty in framing a sample
Specialised knowledge
Methods of Sampling
(i) Random Sampling Random sampling is that method of
sampling in which each and every item of the universe has
equal chance of being selected in the sample.
Random sampling may be done in any of the following ways
Lottery method
Tables of random number
(ii) Purposive or Deliberate Sampling It is that method in
which the investigator himself makes the choice of the
samples items which in his opinion are the best
representative of the universe.
(iii) Stratified or Mixed Sampling According to this method of
sampling population is divided into different strata having
different characteristics and some of the items are selected
from each strata, so the entire population gets represented.
(iv) Systematic Sampling According to this methods, units of
the population are numerically, geographically and
alphabetically arranged. Every nth item of the numbered is
selected as a sample item.
(v) Quota Sampling In this method, the population is divided
into different groups or classes according to different
characteristics of the population.
(vi) Convenience Sampling In this method, sampling is done
by the investigator in such a manner that suits his
convenience.
Reliability of Sampling Data
It depends mainly on the following factors
Size of the sample
Method of sampling
Bias of correspondents and enumerators
Training of enumerators
