Chapter 1: Collection of Data
Comprehensive Revision Summary • GSEB Class 11 Statistics
1. ESSENTIAL KEY TERMS & DEFINITIONS
Population & Sample Terms Data & Variable Types
• Population: The aggregate of all units/items under • Data: The set of observations gathered from
statistical study. inspecting population/sample units.
• Population Size (N): Total count of all elements in • Attribute (Qualitative): A non-numeric characteristic
the population. (e.g., gender, education level).
• Finite Population: A population with a limited, • Qualitative Data: Collection of observations based
countable number of units ($N$). on qualitative attributes.
• Sample: A subset of units selected from a population • Quantitative Variable: A measurable numeric
according to specific rules. characteristic (e.g., income, weight).
• Sample Size (n): The total number of units included • Quantitative Data: Collection of numerical
in the sample. measurements.
• Sample Unit: Any individual element selected within • Statistical Inquiry: Investigation to gather numerical
the sample. data on a specific problem.
2. ORIGIN & HISTORICAL GROWTH OF STATISTICS
Global Milestones Indian Contributions
• German Term 'Statistik': First used by Gottfried • Ancient & Medieval: Evident during Mauryan
Achenwall in 1749 to analyze state data. Empire (321–296 BC) and Mughal era (Abul Fazal's
• Encyclopædia Britannica (1797): Formally Ain-i-Akbari, 1596–97 AD).
introduced 'Statistics' in print. • P. C. Mahalanobis: Founded Indian Statistical
• Royal Statistical Society: Founded in London in Institute (ISI) in Kolkata (1931); started 1st PG
1834. course (1941).
• Karl Pearson: Formulated mathematical statistics; • National Sample Survey (NSS): Formulated by
established first Univ. Dept. of Statistics at UCL Mahalanobis, approved in 1950 for large-scale data
(1911). collection.
• R. A. Fisher: Applied statistics to genetics, • IASRI & Operations Research (O.R.): Applied O.R.
agriculture & biology; known as "Father of and statistics for national planning in 2nd Five-Year
Statistics". Plan.
• Gosset & Neyman: Developed small-sample theory
& modern inference methods.
3. QUANTITATIVE DATA VS. QUALITATIVE DATA
Basis Quantitative Data Qualitative Data
Definition Observations based on numerical variables. Observations based on non-numeric attributes.
Cannot be measured numerically (categorized/
Measurement Directly measurable on a numerical scale.
ranked).
Monthly income (₹), profit (₹), age (yrs), height Gender, religion, education level, worker skill
Examples
(cm). grade.
Class 11 Statistics • Chapter 1 Summary Page 1 of 2
4. PRIMARY DATA VS. SECONDARY DATA
Basis Primary Data Secondary Data
Original data collected directly by an investigator/ Data previously collected and processed by others,
Meaning
agency for a specific study. reused for current study.
Form In raw, unorganized, and unclassified form. Usually classified, condensed, and summarized.
Cost & Time Requires higher expenditure, time, and manpower. Comparatively quick, cheaper, and effort-saving.
Highly accurate and specifically aligned with Requires caution; may contain bias or mismatched
Reliability
objective. scope.
Data taken from UNO, RBI reports, municipal
Examples Census of India by NSSO; primary field surveys.
registers.
5. METHODS OF PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION
1. Direct Inquiry (Personal Interview)
Investigator directly contacts respondents and interviews them on the spot.
• Advantages: High accuracy, personal clarification of doubts, reliable responses, supplementary information
collected.
• Disadvantages: Infeasible for vast geographic areas; highly expensive, time-consuming; potential personal bias of
investigator.
2. Indirect Inquiry
Data gathered via third parties, witnesses, or institutions knowledgeable about the target population.
• Advantages: Covers very broad field; saves time, money, effort; essential when respondents refuse or are
unavailable.
• Disadvantages: Data accuracy depends heavily on third-party reliability, honesty, and lack of bias.
3. Method of Questionnaire
A structured set of logically ordered questions designed to elicit required information.
Characteristics of an Ideal Questionnaire: Clear cover letter • Brief, simple & non-ambiguous questions • Logical
sequence • Avoid personal/sensitive questions • Minimal calculations required.
Questionnaire by Post Questionnaire by Enumerators
• Pros: Wide reach, economical, minimum manpower. • Pros: Enumerator assists; high return & complete data.
• Cons: High non-response, risk of incomplete/lost • Cons: Expensive, requires trained staff, time-heavy.
forms.
6. SECONDARY DATA: SOURCES & USAGE PRECAUTIONS
Sources of Secondary Data Precautions While Using
• Published Sources: • Investigate Source: Verify credibility, reputation,
◦ Govt. Publications: CSO, NSSO, Census of India. and background of the collecting agency.
◦ Semi-Govt: Municipal Corporation reports. • Check Purpose: Ensure original survey purpose
◦ International: UNO, IMF, WHO, World Bank. aligns with current research goals.
◦ Trade & Research: FICCI, ICAR, journals. • Time Period: Avoid outdated data; ensure time
frame is relevant.
• Unpublished Sources: Private company records,
university research theses, local organization logs. • Uniform Definitions: Check that units and
definitions match current context.
• Avoid Direct Estimates: Do not rely on quick
estimations without knowing underlying calculation
methods.
Class 11 Statistics • Chapter 1 Summary Page 2 of 2