What is data ?

• Fact & statistic collected together for reference or analysis

• research data is defined as recorder factual material commonly retained

by and accepted in the scientific community as necessary to validate
research findings.

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 Data collection

• Data collection is a systematic process of collecting information about

objects of study (people, objects, phenomena for instance) in order to
test the hypothesis or answer the research questions of the study.

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 Purposes

• Research design
• Sampling design
• Data gathering and /or field work techniques
• Data processing and analysis

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 Research design

• A detailed outline of how an investigation will take place. A research design will typically include
how data is to be collected, what instruments will be employed, how the instrument will be used
and the intended means for analyzing data collected.

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 Sample design

• The sample design encompasses all aspects of how to group units on the frame, determine the
sample size, allocate the sample to the various classification of frame units, and finally, select the
sample.
• A process used in statistical analysis in which a predetermined number of observation will be
taken from a larger population.

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 Data
•Any information that has been collected, observed, generated
or created to research finding.

Types of research Data -

1. Quantative data – based on number.

2. Qualititative data- based on categories
 What is Data Collection?
• It is the process by which the researcher collects the
information needed to answer the research problem.
 The Purpose of Data Collection
The purpose of data collection is –
• To obtain information
• To keep on record
• To make decision about important issue
• To pass information on to other.
 Methods of Data Collection
•Essentialy Two Types:

• PRIMARY DATA
• Primary data are those which are collected for the first time and
are original in character.

• SECONDARY DATA
• Secondary data are those which have already been collected by
someone else.
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Primary Data v/s Secondary Data
 Methods of Collecting Primary Data
•Primary Data may be collected through:-
Observation
Interviews
Questionnaires
Schedules
 Observation Method

•Observation method is a method under which data collected

with the help of observation by the observer.
Types of Observation Methods-
•Structured
•Unstructured
•Participant
•Non-Participant
1.Structured Observation-

•Systemic observation.
•For structured observation the researcher specifies in
details what is observed and how the measurement are to
be recorded.
2. Unstructured Observation-

• Observe and record behavior in a holistic way without

the use of pre determined guide.
3- Participant Observation
• When the observer is member of the group which he is observing
then it is Participant Observation.

4- Non-Participant Observation
• When the observer is not a member of the group.
• observer is observing people without giving any information to them
then it is Non-Participant Observation.
Advantages -
• Produces Large quantities of data.
• All data obtained from observations are usable.
• The observation technique can be stopped or begin at any time.
• Relative Inexpensive.

Disadvantages-
• Time consuming
• Limited information
• Extensive Training is needed.
• Not use for studying past events or activities.
 Interview Method

•Interview is a process of communication or interaction

between two person to collect the relevant information for
the research.
 Types of interview method

1. Personal Interview , it can be—

• Structured
• Unstructured

2. Telephonic Interview
 Advantage
•More information at greater depth can be obtained
•The interviewer can judge the non-verbal behavior of the respondent.
•The interviewer can control over the order of the question, as in the
questionnaire, and can judge the spontaneity of the respondent as well.
•Personal information can be obtained

https://www.sociologygroup.com/advantages-disadvantages-interview-research/
 Disadvantage
•It is an expensive Method
•Interviewer bias
•Respondent bias
•Time consuming
•There is a lack of accessibility to respondents

https://www.sociologygroup.com/advantages-disadvantages-interview-research/
 Questionnaires
• Questionnaire is as an instrument for research.
• It consists of a list of questions, along with the choice of answers, printed
or typed in a sequence on a form used for acquiring specific information
from the respondents.
• Questionnaires are delivered to the persons concerned either by post or
mail, requesting them to answer the questions and return it.

https://thebiologynotes.com/questionnaire-method-of-data-collection/
 Types Of Questionnaire

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Types-of-questionnaire-Source-Saunders-et-al-2012-p-420_fig5_347525209
 Advantage of Questionnaire
• Questionnaires lies in their uniformity i.e. all respondents see exactly the
same questions.
• It is an inexpensive method.
• Free from the bias of the interviewer, as the respondents answer the
questions in his own words.
• Respondents have enough time to think and answer.
• Due to its large coverage, respondents living in distant areas can also be
reached conveniently.
• Large samples can be used.

https://thebiologynotes.com/questionnaire-method-of-data-collection/
 Disadvantage Of Questionnaire
• Time consuming
• The respondents need to be educated and cooperative
• Possibility of unclear replies.
• The rate of non-response is high.

https://thebiologynotes.com/questionnaire-method-of-data-collection/
 Schedules
• Schedule is the tool or instrument used to collect data from the respondents
while interview is conducted.
• In schedules there is an enumerator who filled the questionnaire.
• Enumerator goes to the respondents, asks them the questions from the
Questionnaire in the order listed, and records the responses in the space
provided.
• Enumerator must be trained in administering the schedule.
 Difference b/w Questionnaire and Schedule

Questionnaire Schedule
It is generally send to through mail Schedule is filled by the
and no further assistance from enumerator or research
sender. worker.
 It is cheaper method.  Costly requires field workers.
 Non response is high.  Non response is low.
 In questionnaire, it is not confirmed  In schedule identity of person is
that expected respondent have known.
filled the answers.
 Secondary Method Of Data Collection
• Data gathered and recorded by someone else
• It involves less cost, time and effort.
• Secondary data is data that is being reused. Usually in a different context.
• For example: data from a book, magazines and newspaper.
• It can be collected from internal or external sources.
•Internal Sources-
• Sales Records
• Marketing Activity
• Cost Information
• Distributor reports and feedback
• Customer feedback
•External Source-
• Journals
• Books & Magazines
• Newspaper
• Libraries
• The Internet or website
• Published data by govt. or private organisation
• Census ,etc.
 Factors to be considered before using
secondary data
• Reliability of data - Who, when , which methods, at what time etc. must
be investigated.

• Suitability of data – Object ,scope, and nature of original inquiry should be

studied, as if the study was with different objective then that data is not
suitable for current study

• Adequacy of data– Level of accuracy,area differences then data is not

adequate for study
 Advantage of Secondary Data Collection
• Ease of access
• Low cost or free
• Time-saving
• Allow you to generate new insights from previous analysis
• Longitudinal analysis
• A huge amount of secondary data with a wide variety of sources

https://www.intellspot.com/secondary-data/
 Disadvantage Of Secondary Data
• Might be not specific to your needs
• You have no control over data quality
• Biasness
• Not timely

https://www.intellspot.com/secondary-data/
Selection of proper Method for collection of Data
• Nature ,Scope and object of inquiry
• Availability of Funds
• Time Factor
• Accuracy Required
 References
• Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques By CR Kothari
• Others are mentioned below in respective slides