Chapter Two- Collection of Data

SOURCE OF DATA

1. Primary Sources: it implies collection of data from its source of origin

2. Secondary Sources: it implies obtaining the relevant statistical information from an agency, or an
institution which is already in possession of that information.
3. Primary Data: data collected by the investigator for his own purpose, for the first time, from
beginning to end, are called primary data.
4. Secondary data: in the words of M.M. Blair, “secondary data are those which are already in
existence and which have been collected for some other purpose than the answering of the
question in hand.”

METHODS OF PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION

A. Personal Interviews
1. Direct personal Investigation: When data are personally collected by the investigator from
the respondents.
2. Indirect oral investigation: when information is obtained not from the persons regarding
whom the information is needed. It is collected orally from the other person who are
expected to possess the necessary information
3. Information from local sources: under this method, investigator appoints local persons or
correspondents at different places. They collect information n their own way and furnish the
same to the investigator.
B. Information through Questionnaires and Schedule
1. Mailing (Questionnaires) survey: under this method, questionnaires are mailed to the
respondents. A letter is attached with questionnaire giving the purpose of enquiry. It is also
assured that the information would be kept secret. The respondent notes the answers
against the questions and returns the completed questionnaires to the investigator.
2. Enumerator’s: under this method. A questionnaire is prepared according to the purpose of
enquiry. The enumerator himself approaches the respondents with the questionnaires. The
questionnaires which are filled by the enumerators themselves by putting questions are
called schedules. Thus, under this method, the enumerator himself fills the schedules after
seeking information from the respondents. Enumerators are those persons who helps the
investigators in collecting the data.
C. Telephone Interviews: under this method, the investigator seeks the desired information from
the respondents over the telephone.

CONSTRUCTION OF QUESTIONNAIRES AND SCHEDULE AND THEIR QUALITIES

Qualities of a Good Questionnaire

Following are some of the desired qualities of a good questionnaire:

(i) Limited Number of Questions: The number of questions in a questionnaire should be as

limited as possible. Questions should be only relating to the purpose of enquiry.
 (ii) Simplicity: Language of the questions should be simple, lucid and clear. Questions should
be short, not long or complex. Mathematical questions must be avoided.
(iii) Proper Order of the Questions: Questions must be placed in a proper order.
(iv) No Undesirable Questions: Undesirable questions or personal questions must be avoided.
The questions should not offend the respondents.
(v) Non-Controversial: Questions should be such as can be answered impartially. No
controversial questions should be asked.
(vi) Calculations: Questions involving calculations by the respondents must be avoided.
Investigator himself should do the calculation job.
(vii) Pre-Testing Pilot Survey: Some questions be asked from the respondents on trial basis. If
their answers involve some difficulty these can be reframed accordingly. Such testing is
technically called pilot survey.
(viii) Instructions: A questionnaire must show clear instructions for filling in the form.
(ix) Cross Verification: Such questions may be asked which help cross verifications.
(x) Request for Return: Request should be made to the respondents to return the
questionnaire completed in all respects. The respondent must be assured that the
information conveyed by him will be treated as confidential.

Types of Questions: Some Examples

There are four possible types of questions, as under:

(1) Simple Alternative Questions: These questions are answered in 'Yes' or 'No', 'Right or wrong' and
'good or bad?’
: Example
Do you have a car? ---------Yes/No
Or
Government decides to introduce 10 + 2 system in the college,
Do you agree? -------- Yes/No

(2) Multiple Choice Questions: When there are various possibilities of a particular event, multiple
choice questions are generally asked. A number of possible answers are given for such questions. The
respondent is to tick-mark the one that he feels fit.
Example
What is your mode of conveyance from home to college?
1. on foot
2. Cycle
3. Bus
4. Scooter
Correct answer be tick-marked (/) in the box.
(3) Specific Information Questions: Only specific information is obtained through such questions.
Example
In which class do you read?
Or
How much pocket allowance do you get?
(4) Open Questions: In such questions, the respondent is requested to give his views on specific issues.
Example
How can prices in India be controlled?
Learning by doing
Or
How can power shortage in the country be overcome?

Example of an Ideal Questionnaire

Objective of this questionnaire is to know about the monthly income and expenditure of the 10+2
students living in the hostels. You are requested to fill in this questionnaire, and return at your
earliest convenience.
Information furnished in this questionnaire will be kept strictly confidential. The information will be
used only for the present investigation.
I. Student's Name
2. Age
3. Faculty___________________Art/Commerce/Science
4. Name of the School/College
5. Father's name and address
6. Father's Occupation ………………………Income
7. Income (if any) of other members in the family
8. Monthly income received by the student
(i) From the family………………………………………..
(ii) Personal earning………………………………………
iii) Scholarship……………………………………………..
(iv) Others………………………………………………….
9. Monthly Expenditure of the Student
Items of Expenditure Amount of Expenditure

(i) School/College fee …………………………………………….

(ii) Stationery …………………………………………….
(iii) Books …………………………………………….
(iv) Conveyance …………………………………………….
(v) Hostel expenses …………………………………………….
(vi) Entertainment …………………………………………….
(vii) Other items (specify) …………………………………………….
10. Is your monthly income enough for you? Yes. .......... No……...
11. If your monthly income is not enough, how do you propose to increase it?
12. Can you save anything from your monthly income? If yes, under which of the above-noted
heads of expenditure can you save and how much?

COLLECTION OF SECONDARY DATA

There are two main sources of secondary data 1. Published Sources and 2. Unpublished Sources
1) Published Sources
Some of the published sources of secondary data are:
 (i) Government Publications: Ministries of the Central and State Governments in India publish
a variety of Statistics as their routine activity. As these are published by the Government,
data are fairly reliable. Some of the notable Government publications on Statistics are:
Statistical Abstract of India, Annual Survey of Industries, Agricultural Statistics of India,
Report on Currency and Banking, Labor Gazette, Reserve Bank of India Bulletin, etc.
(ii) Semi-Government Publications: Semi-Government bodies (such as Municipalities and
Metropolitan Councils) publish data relating to education, health, births and deaths. These
data are also fairly reliable and useful.
(iii) Reports of Committees and Commissions: Committees and Commissions appointed by the
Government also furnish a lot of statistical information in their reports. Finance Commission,
Monopolies Commission, Planning Commission are some of the notable commissions in
India which supply detailed statistical information in their reports.
(iv) Publications of Trade Associations: Some of the big trade associations, through their
statistical and research divisions, collect and publish data on various aspects of trading
activity. For example, Sugar Mills Association publishes information regarding sugar mills in
India.
(v) Publications of Research Institutions: Various universities and research institutions publish
information as findings of their research activities. In India, for example, Indian Statistical
Institute, National Council of Applied Economic Research publish a variety of statistical data
as a regular feature.
(vi) Journals and Papers: Many newspapers such as "The Economic Times' as well as magazines
such as Commerce, Facts for You also supply a large variety of statistical information.
(vii) Publications of Research Scholars: Individual research scholars also sometimes publish their
research work containing some useful statistical information.
(viii) International Publications: International organizations such as UNO, IMF, World Bank, ILO,
and foreign governments etc., also publish a lot of statistical information. These are used as
secondary data.
(2) Unpublished Sources
There are some unpublished secondary data as well. These data are collected by the government
organizations and others, generally for their self-use or office record. These data are not published.
These unpublished numerical information may, however, be used as secondary data.
Precautions in the Use of Secondary Data
We know that secondary data are collected by others to suit their specific requirements. Therefore, one
needs to be very careful while using these data. Connor has rightly stated, "Statistics especially other
people's Statistics are full of pitfalls for the users." Some of the notable questions to be borne in mind
while dealing with the secondary data are:
(i) Whether the data are reliable?
(ii) Whether the data are suitable for the purpose of enquiry?
(iii) Whether the data are adequate?
In order to assess the reliability, suitability and adequacy of the data, the following points must be kept
in mind:
(1) Ability of the Collecting Organization: One should check the ability of the organization which initially
collected the data. The data should be used only if it is collected by able, experienced and impartial
investigators.
(2) Objective and Scope: One should note the objective of collecting data as well as the scope of
investigation. Data should be used only if the objective and scope of the study as undertaken earlier
match with the objective and scope of the present study.
(3) Method of Collection: The method of collection of data by the original investigator should also be
noted. The method adopted must match the nature of investigations
(4) Time and Conditions of Collection: One should also make sure of the period of investigation as well
as the conditions of investigations. For example, data collected during war times may not be suitable to
generalize certain facts during peace times.
(5) Definition of the Unit: One should also make sure that the units of measurement used in the initial
collection of data are the same as adopted in the present study. If the unit of measurement differs, data
must be modified before use.
(6) Accuracy: Accuracy of the data should also be checked. If the available data do not conform to the
required degree of accuracy, these should be discarded.
Two Important Sources of Secondary Data: 'Census of India' and Reports and Publications of
National Sample Survey Office'
(1) Census of India: Census of India is a decennial publication of the Government of India. It is published
by Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. It is a very comprehensive source of secondary data.
It relates to population size and the various aspects of demographic changes in India. Broadly, it includes
statistical information on the following parameters:
(i) Size, growth rate and distribution of population in India.
(ii) Population projections.
(iii) Density of population.
(iv) Sex composition of population.
(v) State of literacy.
Information on these parameters relates to country as a whole as well as different states and union
territories of the country.
As the name suggests, Census of India is a comprehensive enquiry on population size and the related
parameters of change covering each and every household of the country.
(2) Reports and Publications of National Sample Survey Office
(NSSO): Reports and publications of NSSO is another important source of secondary data in India. NSSO
is a government organization under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This
organization conducts regular sample surveys to collect basic statistical information relating to a variety
of economic activity in rural as well as urban parts of the country. For example, the 79th round of
NSSO (July 2022 - June 2023) is earmarked for collection data for compilation of a number of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG) indicators through a Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey (CAMS) along
with a survey on Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa/Amchi and Homoeopathy
(AYUSH).
Broadly, reports and publications of NSSO offers statistica information of the following parameters of
economic change
(i) Land and Livestock Holdings.
(ii) Housing Conditions and Migration with special emphasi on slum dwellers.
(iii) Employment and Unemployment status in India.
(iv) Consumer Expenditure in India, including level pattern of consumer expenditure of diverse
categories the people.
 (v) Sources of Household income in India.
Unlike Census of India, Reports and Publications of National Sample Survey Office are based
on 'sample' study of population/universe.

Important Agencies at the national level which collect, process and tabulate the statistical data:
NSSO (National Sample Survey Office), RGI (Registrar General of India), DGCIS (Directorate General of
Commercial Intelligence and Statistics) and Labor Bureau.