Q. What do you mean by data collection?
Differentiate between primary and secondary
data. Discuss the different methods of collecting primary source of data and secondary
source of data.
Ans: Data collection is an important aspect of research methodology. The task of data
collection begins after a research problem has been defined and research design/ plan chalked
out. While deciding about the method of data collection to be used for the study, the researcher
should keep in mind two types of data viz., primary and secondary. The primary data are those
which are collected afresh and for the first time, and thus happen to be original in character. The
secondary data, on the other hand, are those which have already been collected by someone else
and which have already been passed through the statistical process.
Collecting primary source of data
A researcher collects primary data during the course of doing experiments in an
experimental research. There are several methods of collecting primary data. Some of the
important ones are: (i) observation method, (ii) interview method, (iii) through questionnaires,
(iv) through schedules, and (v) other modern methods.
Each method is taken up separately below.
(i) Observation Method
The observation method is the most commonly used method especially in studies relating
to behavioral sciences. Observation becomes a scientific tool and the method of data collection
for the researcher, when it serves a formulated research purpose.
(ii) 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 personal interviews
and, if possible, through telephone interviews.
(iii) Collection of data through questionnaires
This method of data collection is being adopted by private individuals, research
workers, private and public organizations and even by governments. In this method a
questionnaire is sent to the persons concerned with a request to answer the questions and return
the questionnaire.
(iv) Collection of data through schedules
This method of data collection is very much like the collection of data through
questionnaire, with little difference which lies in the fact that schedules are being filled in by the
enumerators who are specially appointed for the purpose.
(v) Some other methods of data collection
Apart from the above discussed methods there are some other modern methods of
primary data collection. These are -- (a) warranty cards; (b) distributor audits; (c) pantry audits;
(d) consumer panels; (e) using mechanical devices; (f) through projective techniques; (g) depth
interviews, and (h) content analysis.
Collection of secondary data
Secondary data means data that are already available i.e., they refer to the data which
have already been collected and analyzed by someone else. There are various methods of
secondary data collection. As such the researcher must judiciously select the method/methods for
his or her own study, keeping in view the following factors:
1. Nature, scope and object of enquiry: This means that the method selected should be
such that it suits the type of enquiry that is to be conducted by the researcher.
2. Availability of funds: Availability of funds for the research project determines to a
large extent the method to be used for the collection of data.
3. Time factor: Availability of time has also to be taken into account in deciding a
particular method of data collection.
4. Precision required: Precision required is yet another important factor to be considered
at the time of selecting the method of collection of data.
One of the most important methods of secondary data collection is the Case study
Method. It is a very popular form of qualitative analysis and involves a careful and complete
observation of a social unit. Thus, case study is essentially an intensive investigation of the
particular unit under consideration. The object of the case study method is to locate the factors
that account for the behavior-patterns of the given unit as an integrated totality.
In conclusion, it can be said that the most desirable approach with regard to the selection
of the method for data collection depends on the nature of the particular problem and on the time
and resources available along with the desired degree of accuracy.