DATA COLLECTION

Sources of data and Types of data Data sources can be divided into two, namely, primary and secondary. Data collected from these sources are known as primary data and secondary data. Primary data are those which are collected afresh and for the first time. Investigator collects the data for his particular purpose from the sources available. They are original in character. Secondary data are those which have already been collected by someone else and which have already been passed through the statistical process. The methods of collecting primary and secondary data differ since primary data are to be originally collected, while in case of secondary data the nature of data collection work is merely that of compilation.

 Collection of primary data There are several methods of collecting primary data. Important methods are 1.Observation method 2.Interview method 3.Questionnaire method. 4.Schedule method Observation Method The observation method is the most commonly used method specially in studies relating to behavioural sciences. Observation may be defined as a systematic viewing of a specific phenomenon in the proper setting for the specific purpose of gathering data for a particular study.

 Under the observation method, the information is sought by way of invigilators own direct observation without asking from the respondent. An observation becomes scientific when it serves a research purpose and it is planned deliberately and recorded systematically. It is subjected to checks and controls on validity and reliability. Kinds of Observation There are many observational techniques and they may be classified into following bases.

 1. Controlled and uncontrolled observations. If the observation takes place in the natural surroundings, it is known as uncontrolled observation. When observation takes place according to definite, pre-arranged plans involving experimental procedure, it is known as controlled observation. 2. Structured and unstructured observation. Structured observation refers to the observation made when the type of activities and characteristics to be identified and recorded are decided in advance. When things to be observed are not fixed it is termed as unstructured observation. This observation is mostly used as an ex-ploratory technique.

 3.Participant and Nonparticipant observations. When the observer participates with the activities of the group under study it is known as participant observation In a non-participant observation, the observer is present in the group, but he does not participate in their activities. He maintains the status of an observer 4. Direct and Indirect observations Direct observation means observation of an event personally by the observer when it takes place. Indirect observation is made without the physical presence of the observer. The observations are recorded by the mechanical, photographic or electronic devices.

 INTERVIEW METHOD It is a direct method of collecting data and it is based on interview. Interview method of collecting data involves presentation of oral-verbal stimuli and reply in terms of oral-verbal responses. Personal interviews, telephone interviews and online interviews are different methods of data collection under this method. Personal interviews: This method requires a person known as the interviewer asking questions generally in a face to face contact to the other person or persons. Information is also collected by conducting interviews through telephone or online network.

 Types of interview Interviews can be classified on the basis of various characteristics and qualities. 1.Structured type of interview: It involves the use of a set of predetermined questions and of highly standardised techniques of recording. This method is used when data is to be collected from a large number of persons. 2. Unstructured interviews are characterised by a flexibility of approach to questioning. Interviewer is allowed much freedom to ask, in case of need, supplementary questions or at times to omit certain questions. Unstructured interviews demand deep knowledge and greater skill on the part of the interviewer. The unstructured interviews are used for more intensive study of individual s mental processes like attitudes, motivations, perceptions etc.

 3. Focussed Interview: This is a controlled interview and the main object of this type of interview is to focuss the attention of the respondent on a particular aspect to get his reaction. The questions in this type of interview are predetermined and preplanned. 4. Clinical Interview : It is concerned with broad underlying feelings or motivations or with the course of individual s life experience. The method of eliciting information under it is generally left to the interviewer s discretion.

 Basic principles of interviewing For successful implementation of the interview method, interviewers should be carefully selected, trained and briefed. They should be honest, sincere, hardworking, impartial and must possess the technical competence and necessary practical experience. Effort should be made to create friendly atmosphere of trust and confidence, so that respondents may feel at ease while talking to and discussing with the interviewers. The interviewer must ask questions properly and intelligently and must record the responses accurately and completely. Interviewer must clear all doubts asked by the respondent. His approach must be friendly, courteous, conversational and unbiased. He should not show surprise or disapproval of a respondent s answer. Discourage irrelevant conversation and must take all possible effort to keep the respondent on the track

 Questionnaire Method This is an important and very popular method of data collection adopted by individuals, public and private organisations, research scholars and Government. In this method, a questionnaire is sent to the persons concerned with a request to answer the questions and return the questionnaire. A questionnaire consist of a number of questions printed or typed in a definite order on a form or set of forms.

 Advantages Low cost - Free from bias of the interviewer Respondents have adequate time to give well thought out answers Respondents who are not easily approachable, can also be reached conveniently Large samples can be made use of. Disadvantages Low rate of return of the duly filled up questionnaires can be used only if respondents are educated and cooperating inbuilt inflexibility control over the questionnaire lost replies may be unambiguous and there may be omissions too much time taken to return the form.

 Main aspects of a questionnaire Main aspects are(a) form of the questionnaire (b) question sequence (c) question formulation and wording. The form of a questionnaire can be structured or unstructured. In structured questionnaire, questions are concrete, definite and predetermined. In an unstructured questionnaire, interviewer has a general instruction regarding the type of information to be obtained. The exact question formulation is the responsibility of the interviewer. Structured questionnaires are simple to administer and relatively inexpensive to analyse.

 Question sequence For an effective questionnaire, there must be a proper sequence of questions. A proper sequence of question reduces the chances of individual questions being misunderstood. The question sequence must be clear and smoothly-moving, with questions that are easiest to answer be put in the beginning. Relatively difficult questions must be included at the end. The question sequence should go from the general to the more specific.

 Question formulation and wording Question should be framed in the common language of the respondents and it must be clear. Question should also be impartial in order not to give a biased picture of the true state of affairs. Form of the questions should suggest all possible alternatives for the respondents so that the respondent selects the category which represents his views. Two types of forms can be used for preparing questions multiple choice questions and open end questions.

 Question wording Researcher must pay proper attention to the wordings of questions, since reliable and meaningful returns depend on it. Simple words which are familiar to all respondents should be employed. Words with ambiguous meanings must be avoided. Danger words, catch words, or words with emotional connotations should be avoided. Question wording and formulation is an art and can be learned by practice.

 Pilot study or pilot survey After drafting the questionnaire it is pre-tested through pilot survey. Pilot survey is the replica and rehersel of the main survey. Pilot survey is conducted to edit finally the questionnaire and to ensure that the content, form, sequence of questions, spacing arrangements, appearance etc. of the questions are checked. It is conducted to help eliminating confusion, bias and misunderstanding.

Essentials of a good questionnaire The number of questions should be kept to the minimum. The question should be simple and short. The questions must be arranged in a logical order so that a natural and spontaneous reply follows. Personal and intimate questions should be left to the end. Questions may be dichotomous(yes or no answers), multiple choice or open ended. Adequate space for answers should be provided in the questionnaire to help editing and tabulation. Brief directions with regard to filling up the questionnaire should invariably be given in the questionnaire itself. Questionnaire should look attractive

 Data collection through schedules A schedule is a device used in collecting field data when survey method is applied. It is used in direct interviews. Data collection is through questionnaire, but the enumerators who are specially appointed for the purpose, go to respondents directly for filling up the schedules. This method requires the selection of trained enumerators who can explain the schedules thoroughly. Enumerators should be intelligent and must possess the capacity of cross-examination in order to find out the truth. This method of data collection is very useful in extensive enquiries and can lead to fairly reliable results. Ex. Population census

 SECONDARY DATA Secondary data are those which have been collected by some other person for his purpose and published. Secondary data are usually in the shape of finished products. It is less expensive and requires less time . Careful scrutiny must be made before using secondary data since it is collected with different purposes.

 Sources of secondary data Official reports of the central, state and local govts. Official publications of the Foreign Governments and International Bodies like, UN, World Bank Report, UNESCO,WTO, WHO, ILO etc. Reports and publications of Trade associations, Banks, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Public Accounts Committee etc. Technical Journals, News papers, Books, Periodicals etc. Publications of research organisations, Institutions, reports etc.