Key Terms

Statistical Enquiry – By statistical enquiry, we mean an investigation on a topic by any

agency wherein relevant quantitative information is collected.

Investigator: The person who conducts statistical investigation.

Enumerator: A person who helps investigator in the collection of data.

Respondents: The persons from whom statistical information is collected.

Statistical Unit: The items on which measurements are taken. Example; weight in kgs.

Population or the Universe: it means totality of the items under study.

Sample: It refers to a group or section of the population from which information is to be

obtained.

Survey: It is a method of gathering information from individuals. The purpose of the

survey is to collect data to describe some characteristics like price, quality, usefulness,
honesty etc. Survey is conducted by asking questions about particular product or
candidate from a large group of people.
 Key Terms

Variable: The values which change, such as production of

food grains per annum, temperature of a city, etc. They are
represented by the letters X,Y or Z.

Observation: The value of a variable.

Data: Observations corresponding to different variables.

Statistical Investigation: It means search for information

conducted by using statistical methods.
Collection of data is the first step in any statistical investigation. Let us discuss this
with the help of the table given below:

In the above table, the years are represented by variable X and the production of
food grains by variable Y. These values of the variables X and Y are the ‘data’,
from which we can obtain information about the trend of the production of food
grains in India.
SOURCES OF COLLECTION OF DATA
In an organisation, when the data is collected from its reports
and records, it is known as internal sources of data. Data
collected and compiled through internal sources is called
internal data. For example, a company publishes its annual
report on profit and loss, total sales, loans, wages etc.

External sources refer to the data collected from outside the

organisation. Data collected and compiled through external
sources is called external data. External data can be collected
from primary as well as secondary sources. For example, If
a Tour and Travels Company obtains information on ‘UP
Tourism’ from Uttar Pradesh Transport corporation, it
would be known as external source of data.
 Primary data is the data which is
originally collected by an investigator or
agency for the first time for some
specific purpose.
 For example, Population census
conducted by Government of India.
Population Census
 The data which is not directly collected
but rather obtained from the published or
unpublished sources, is known as
secondary data.
 For example, Economic Survey published
by Government of India.
 Sources of Secondary Data can be classified as

Published Sources

A number of national and international agencies collect data in different fields

like National Income, Population, Prices, Employment etc. and publish reports
on regular basis. These include:
a. Official Publications of the central and state governments
b. International Publications by UNDP, WHO, IMF etc.
c. Publications of research institutes like ISI, NCERT,ICAR etc.
d. Newspapers and magazines like The Economist, Financial Express.

Unpublished Sources

When data collected by someone is not published and is taken by other

persons. E.g. Reports of private investigation companies.
For the collection of primary data, the investigator
must choose any of the following methods

• Direct personal investigation

• Indirect oral investigation
• Information from correspondents
• Telephonic interviews
• Mailed questionnaire method
• Questionnaires filled by enumerators
 Direct personal Investigation (Personal Interview)

Under this method, the investigator collects data by having direct contact with the informant and conducts on –
the – spot enquiry.
MERITS
1. High response rate- as researcher has access to all the respondents.
2. Allows use of all types of questions: Contact is made between interviewer and
respondent.
3. More suited for using open ended questions: The interviewer can request the
respondent to elaborate on their answers.
4. Misunderstandings can be avoided: Interviewer can explain the study and answer the
queries of the respondents.
5. Reactions of the respondents can provide supplementary information to the
interviewer.
DEMERITS
1. Expensive as it requires trained interviewers.
2. Possibility of influencing the respondents: Presence of the interviewers inhibits the
respondents from expressing their true views.
3. Time consuming: Since the interviewer is involved personally, it takes longer time to
complete the survey.
4. This method is not suitable when the area of coverage is considerably wide or when many
respondents are to be contacted.
 Direct personal Investigation

Example: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) wishes to conduct a statistical enquiry regarding
bathing soap used by people of Delhi. For this, HUL will select some investigators, who will
approach the people of Delhi and collect the necessary data. It is necessary that in such cases, the
investigator has a keen sense of observation and he is very polite and courteous. He must be
skilful, tactful, accurate, amiable and neutral.
Suitability of this method:
1. When detailed information has to be collected.
2. When area of investigation is limited.
3. When nature of enquiry is confidential.
4. When maximum degree of accuracy is needed.
5. When importance is given to originality.

Precautions for Direct Personal Investigation:

1. Investigator should be well – versed with the statistical techniques and should have good temperament
2. Investigator should be familiar with the culture, tradition and the language of the concerned area.
3. Investigator should ask straight, simple and unambiguous questions from informants
4. No personal bias should be used by the investigator.
 Indirect Oral Investigation

Under this method, the investigator approaches third parties, who are in the possession of information
about the subject of enquiry. Eg: Suppose we want to study the number of students of a college who smoke. For this
purpose, personal investigation cannot be successful as students may not provide correct information as regards to their smoking
habits. To get the information, the investigator has to contact the persons who are close to the respondent, like friends, lecturers,
neighbours, relatives or the persons who know the information.

MERITS
1. This method is suitable when the area of investigation is large.
2. It is economical in terms of time, money and manpower.
3. This method is relatively free from personal prejudice as the information is
collected from the persons who are well aware of the situation.
4. Under this method, an investigator can seek opinion of the experts.

DEMERITS
1. The result can be erroneous because information is obtained from other
persons, not directly connected.
2. As compared with direct personal observation, the degree of accuracy
of the data is likely to be lower.
3. The persons, providing the information, may be prejudiced or biased.
4. Since, the interest of the person, providing the information, is not
at stake, the collected information is often vague and unreliable.
5. The information collected from different persons may not be
homogeneous and comparable.
 Indirect Oral Investigation

Suitability of this method:

1. When concerned informants are unable to give information due to their ignorance or they
are not prepared to part with the information
2. When the area of investigation is very large
3. When secret or sensitive information about the informant has to be gathered
4. When the problem of investigation is complex and need expert’s opinion.

Precautions for Indirect Oral Investigation:

1. The number of the witness should be fairly large

2. Only those witness should be selected who possess sufficient knowledge about the
proposed investigation
3. The investigator should neither disbelieve nor completely believe the information provided
by the witnesses
4. Efforts should be made to make cross check system to ascertain the accuracy
5. It must be ensured that interviewers are not subjective in their approach and the witnesses
are not prejudicial in favour of or against a particular point of view.
 Information from Correspondents
Under this method, local agents or correspondents are appointed and trained to collect the information
from the respondents. This method is often used by newspapers and periodicals for information about
politics, business, agricultural and industrial output etc.

MERITS
1. This method is useful in situations where the area of investigation is very large and periodic
information is to be collected from the distant places.
2. It is very economical in terms of money and resources.
3. This method is suitable for some special purpose of investigations.
4. It is very useful for collecting regular information.

DEMERITS
1. The information supplied by different correspondents often lacks homogeneity, and hence, not
comparable.
2. The personal bias of the correspondents may enter the reports and to that extent, the accuracy
is affected.
3. This method cannot be used where high degree of accuracy is required.
4. A lot of time is consumed to collect the information.
 Information from Correspondents

Suitability of this method:

1. When regular and continuous information is required

2. When the area of investigation is very large
3. When high degree of accuracy is not required.

Precautions for Information from Correspondents:

1. Appointment of correspondents should be made with full precautions.

2. The correspondents should not be prejudiced.
3. The number of respondents should be fairly large and reasonable.
4. Correspondents or investigators should make minimum use of their own opinion.
5. Correspondents should be educated and familiar with the problem.
 Telephonic Interviews
Under this method, data is collected through an interview over the telephone with the interviewer.
Many of the shows on television conduct ‘Polls’ with the help of telephonic interviews.
MERITS
1. This method is useful for conducting enquiry over a large area.
2. This method is cheaper as it requires less time, money and labour.
3. It is possible to assist the respondent by clarifying the questions.

DEMERITS
1. The disadvantage of this method is access to people. This method is not possible for
people who do not own telephones.
2. Telephone interviews also obstruct visual reactions of the respondents, which becomes
helpful in obtaining information on sensitive issues.

SUITABILITY

1. When the respondents have a telephone

connection.
2. When the data is to be collected in shorter
duration.
 Mailed Questionnaire method
Under this method, the investigator makes a questionnaire pertaining to the field of investigation and
send it to the respondents, along with a covering letter, to collect information from them. This
method is adopted by research workers and other official and non – official agencies.
MERITS
1. This method is used for extensive enquiries covering very wide area. It is the only method to reach remote areas.
2. This method is economical as it requires less time, money and labour.
3. The data are very much original because informants are directly involved in the collection of data.
4. Every question is interpreted by the respondent in his own way. Hence, it is free from the personal bias of the investigator.
5. This method is suitable for sensitive questions and maintains the anonymity of respondent.
DEMERITS
1. This method is applicable only where respondents are educated.
2. Under this method, the accuracy of data cannot be testified.
3. Some informants may not care to fill up the questionnaire. When the number of such
persons who have not sent back the questionnaire is very large, it is impossible to draw
correct conclusions.
4. Informants may not understand the correct sense of questions, and may not answer such
questions. Sometimes, informants may provide vague and ambiguous answers.
5. The process is time consuming, particularly when the information is to be obtaining by post.
 Mailed Questionnaire method

Suitability of this method:

1. When the field of investigation is very large.

2. When respondents are literate and are likely to co-operate with the investigation.

Precautions for mailed Questionnaire method:

1. Questionnaire should be simple, short and attractive.

2. The questions should not hurt the informants and should not be very personal.
3. There should be a system, a sequence, and a proper planning in the questions.
4. The object of enquiry must be clearly defined.
5. Efforts should be made to get information as early as possible.
6. The questionnaire should be accompanied by a self – addressed and stamped envelope.
 Questionnaires filled by Enumerators
Under this method, the enumerator personally visits informants along with a questionnaire, asks questions
and note down their replies in the questionnaire in his own language. This method is usually used by the
government, semi – government organisations, big business houses, research institutes etc. The
questionnaire filled by the investigator is known as “Schedule”.
MERITS
1. This technique of data collection can be used for collecting information from large number of people coming from vast areas.
2. Since the investigator has a direct contact with the respondents, it is possible to get accurate and reliable information.
3. The presence of the enumerator may induce the respondents in giving the information. So, chances of non – response is less.
4. There is very little possibility for partially or biased information.
5. Unlike, the ‘mailed questionnaire method’, this method can be used even if the respondents are illiterate.
DEMERITS
1. This method is very expensive as expenditure on training, remuneration and conveyance are to be borne by the investigator or the
agency collecting the data.
2. This method is more time consuming as compared to other methods.
3. Inefficiency on the part of the enumerators coupled with personal bias may adversely
affect the results of the enquiry.
4. If the investigators are negligent or not properly trained, the results of investigations
are likely to be misleading.
 Questionnaires filled by Enumerators

Suitability of this method:

This method is suitable where adequate finance and trained enumerators are available to cover
a wide field and some significance is attached to the accuracy of the results obtained.

Precautions for Questionnaires filled by enumerators:

1. Enumerator should be a person of high integrity and properly trained to use statistical tools.
2. Enumerator should be polite, tactful, laborious and honest to his assigned work.
3. There should be timely evaluation of the work of enumerators.
4. The informant should be properly educated about the objective of investigation.
5. Questions in the schedule should be small in length, simple and clear.
 Pilot Survey
[NOTE: Once the draft questionnaire is ready, it is advisable to conduct a try – out
with a small group which is known as Pilot Survey or Pre – Testing of the
questionnaire.]
Pre-testing of a questionnaire with a small group of
respondents is known as a pilot survey.

Uses of Pilot Survey

Provides preliminary data about the survey
Helps the investigator to get a rough idea about the information and the suitability of
the technique.
Helps assessing the shortcomings of the questionnaire.
Helps to assess the suitability of questions, clarity of instructions, performance of
enumerators and the cost and time involved in the actual survey.
1. A very polite covering letter should be sent to the respondents along with the questionnaire.
2. To frame questionnaire or schedule, first of all, we have to take decision regarding various questions to be
incorporated. The selection of questions depends upon the purpose of enquiry. So, precaution should be
adopted to avoid irrelevant or unnecessary questions.
3. The number of questions should be as small as possible.
4. The questions should be clear, brief and specific.
5. The questions relating to mathematical computations or questions which force the respondent to recollect
from his memory should not be asked.
6. Questions should be free from double negatives. Eg: Avoid questions like ‘Don’t you think smoking should be
prohibited?
7. The questions affecting the pride and sentiments of the respondents should be avoided.
8. The question should not be a leading question, which gives a clue about how the respondent should answer.
9. The questions should follow a logical sequence so that the natural and spontaneous reply to each question is
induced.
10. Questions should be divided and subdivided under different heads and sub – heads should be properly
numbered for the convenience of the informant and the investigator.
11. The questionnaire should provide necessary instructions about the terms and units in it.
12. The questionnaire should be set in a way so that there may be cross examination of the information supplied
by the informants.
13. A questionnaire should be made to look as attractive as possible.
14. Before actually using the questionnaire, a test check must always be done by obtaining answers from some
respondents.
 Types of Questions in Questionnaire

Closed ended or structured questions

It could be a two-way question or a multiple choice question. When there are only 2
possible answers it is called a two way question. When there is a possibility of more
than 2 answers it is called multiple choice question.

Open ended or unstructured questions

It could be descriptive types. When a person gets a chance to talk more about any
topic.
Open Ended Questionnaire Closed Ended Questionnaire

Consists of unstructured questions Consists of structured questions

The respondents have to write their own Can be multiple choice type or two way
views. ‘yes’ – ‘no’ response type

Difficult to score and codify as responses can Easy to use, score and codify as all
vary. respondents choose from a set of given
options

Allow for more individualised responses. Restrict answers by providing limited

alternatives.
In the field of statistics, the term ‘Universe’ or ‘Population’ is
used.

Population is defined as the aggregate of individual

items, whether composed of people or things, which
are subjected to a statistical investigation.

For example, if we want to study the monthly expenditure

incurred by all the 5,000 students of a school, then 5,000
students constitute the universe or population.
Statistical investigation is done on the basis of data
collected from the relevant field of enquiry. When a
statistical enquiry is conducted, an enquiry is to be
determined as to whether the investigation is to take
account of whole population or only part of it.
A survey may be conducted by either of the two
methods:
(i) Census method (ii) Sampling method.
 Census Method
When a statistical investigation is conducted wherein, the data is collected from each
and every element of the population, it is known as census method.

• This method is generally adopted when area of investigation is limited and an intensive
study of the population is required.
• Highly trained investigators are needed to maintain a high degree of accuracy.
• Demographic (study of population based on age, race and sex)data on birth and death
rates, literacy, workforce, life expectancy, size and composition of population, etc. are
collected and published by the Registrar General of India.
• The famous example of this method is the Census of India conducted after every 10 years.
The last Census of India was held in 2011.
• This method is also known as ‘Complete Enumeration’ or ‘Complete Survey’ or ‘100%
Enumeration’.
Merits of Census Method:

1. Results are accurate and highly reliable because each and every item of the
population is studied.
2. Results are less biased.
3. Information is quite exhaustive and therefore, more meaningful because all the
items of the universe are examined.
4. This method is suitable when different items of the population are not
homogeneous.

Demerits of Census Method:

1. This method is very costly and is, therefore, generally not used for ordinary
investigations.
2. Census method requires a lot of time and manpower for the collection, analysis and
interpretation of data.
3. This method cannot be applied in case of infinite population.
 Sampling METHOD
When only some representative items of a population are selected and data collected from these items are used for the
analysis, the method is known as Sampling Method.

Essential features
• A sample is a part of universe or population.

• The first task in selecting a sample is to identify the population. Once the population is
identified, the researcher selects a representative sample as it is difficult to study the
entire population.

• A good sample is generally smaller than the population and is capable of providing
reasonably accurate information about the population at a much lower cost and shorter
time.

Example: An investigator is interested in conducting an enquiry into monthly expenditure

in a school comprising of total of 5,000 students. The investigator may take a sample (say,
500 students) to record evidence of whole population of 5,000 students.
The following points should be kept in mind while deciding the size of sample:

1. In case of large population, sample size would be bigger and vice – versa.
2. If greater degree of accuracy is desired, the size of sample should be larger. However, if
samples are selected by an experienced person on the basis of scientific method, better
results can be ensured, even in case of small size of sample.
3. In case, the population consists of homogeneous units, a small sample will serve the
purpose. On the other hand, if the population consists of heterogeneous units, large sample
is required.
4. In case of intensive and continuous study, a small sample is quite appropriate. On the
contrary in case of unrepeated and extensive study, it may be necessary to take a larger
sample size.
5. If it is seen that a large number of respondents will not cooperate then a larger sample
should be selected.
 Requisites of a good Sample
1. The selected sample should be representative of the
characteristics of the population.
2. To ensure that all the characteristics of a population are
represented by the sample, its size must be adequate.
3. As far as possible, the population from which a sample is to
be obtained, should be homogeneous.
4. The selection of various items of the population in the
sample should be done independently of each other.
5. To have correct picture of the problem under investigation,
it is important to draw a sample keeping in view the
objective of investigation.
Election coverage is provided by news
channels during elections for predicting
election results. A random sample of
voters who leave the booth after
casting their vote are asked whom they
voted for. Based on this data, a
prediction is made. Exit Polls may not
always be accurate as voters do not
necessarily tell the truth about their
vote. Voting is done through secret
ballot so that none other than the voter
knows who the vote is cast for.
Merits of Sampling Method:
1. A sample provides reasonably reliable and accurate information at a lower cost and
shorter time.
2. As samples are smaller than the population, detailed information can be collected by
conducting intensive enquiries.
3. A smaller team of enumerators can carry out sample surveys, so their training and
supervision becomes convenient.
4. Sample method is more scientific because the sample data can be conveniently
investigated from various angles.

Demerits of Sampling Method:

1. It is difficult to achieve cent percent accuracy.
2. If the selected sample does not represent the characteristics of the universe, the study
may end up with wrong conclusions.
3. It is not very easy to select a sample which would represent all the characteristics of the
entire population.
4. In case of heterogeneous population, any sample may not correctly reflect the
characteristics of the population. In this case, sampling is not advisable.
5. If the investigator is biased, then he might select sample deliberately. In such cases,
selected sample may not be representative of the characteristics of population.
 1. Random Sampling
Method where samples are selected at random. In this method, every
individual unit has an equal chance of being selected.

Methods under random sampling:

a) Lottery Method: In this method all the items in the population
are assigned a distinct number and these are written on identical
pieces of paper and put in a bowl. Samples are selected at random.

b) Table of Random Numbers: In this random numbers are arranged

in rows and columns which are selected on population size.

c) Exit Polls: it is used to predict election results. In this technique a random sample
of voters, who exit from the polling booths are asked who they voted for.
 2.Non-Random Sampling
In this all the units of the population do not have an equal chance of being selected.

Methods under this are:

a) Judgement/Purposive/Deliberate Sampling: Here sample units are selected consciously by
the investigator on the basis of his judgement. This method is subject to personal bias of
investigator.

b) Quota Sampling: Here the investigator is allotted definite quota and he is required to collect the
required data from a specific number of unit of each quota. For example, in a survey of TV
viewers, the interviewers may be told to interview 500 people living in a certain area, and that
55% (i.e.275) of the interviewed are to be housewives, 30% ( i.e.150) school students, 10%
(i.e.50) employees, 5% (i.e.25) children. Within these quotas the interviewer is free to select the
people to be interviewed.

c) Convenience Sampling: Here the investigator collects the sample units on the basis of his
convenience.
In the statistical literature, Statistical Errors refer to the difference
between the collected data and the actual value of facts.

Such errors arise due to the following reasons:

• Selection of wrong samples.

• Incorrect information given by the respondents.

• Collection of data by estimates.

• Personal prejudice of investigators.

 Statistical
errors

Sampling and
Biased and
Non – Sampling
Unbiased errors
errors
It refers to the difference between the sample estimate and the actual value of a
characteristic of the population. The actual value of the population parameter is
not known and the sample value is used to estimate it. Taking a larger sample
can reduce the magnitude of sampling error.

For example, suppose height of 5 students (in inches) is 50, 55, 60, 65, 70.
Now average height will be: (50 + 55 + 60 + 65 + 70) ÷ 5 = 300 ÷ 5 = 60 inches.
If we select a sample of two students with height of 50 inches and 60 inches,
then average height of sample will be (50 + 60) ÷ 2 = 110 ÷ 2 = 55 inches.

Here the sampling error of the estimate = 60 (true value) – 55(estimate) = 5 inches
 Non – sampling errors are errors that occur in acquiring, recording or tabulating
statistical data.

Non – sampling errors are more serious than sampling errors because a sampling error can be
minimised by taking a larger sample. But, non – sampling error cannot be minimised even by
taking a large sample.
The main causes of non – sampling errors are:

 This type of error arises from recording of incorrect responses or in recording the data.

 Non – response occurs if an interviewer is unable to contact a person listed in the sample or
a person from the sample refuses to respond. In this case, the sample observation may not
be representative.

 It occurs when sampling plan is such that some members of the target population could not
possibly be included in the sample.
Biased Error: An error which arises on account of some bias
or imbalance on the part of the investigator, informants or instruments
of counting, measurement or experiment is called biased error.

Unbiased Error: An error which does not take place on

account of any bias with anybody but for a chance or a principle is
called unbiased error. Such errors arise automatically without any
motive.
Statistical Errors are measured by:

Absolute Error: The difference between true value of a parameter and the
estimated value.

Relative Error: The ratio of the Absolute error to the actual value.
Relative error is a much more useful measure than the absolute error as it provides a useful
coefficient (a pure number independent of units of measurement) for comparing the degree of
error in different sets of statistical data.
 Sources of
secondary data

Published sources Unpublished sources

 There are a number of national (government, semi – government and private) organisations
and also international agencies, which collect statistical data in different fields like national
income, population, prices, employment, wages, export, import, etc. These reports are
published on regular basis, i.e. annually, quarterly, monthly, fortnightly, and so on.

Important Published Sources of Secondary Data:

1. Official Publications of Central and State Governments

2. Semi – government Publications
3. Reports of Committees and Commissions
4. Publications of the Research Institute
5. International Publications
6. Private Publications
7. Publications of Trade Associations
8. Newspapers and Magazines
When data collected by someone is not published and is taken by other persons for the purpose of
investigation, then such data is known as ‘Unpublished Secondary Data’. For example, reports
prepared by private investigation companies.

Many investigations are of private nature and their findings are not published. Such unpublished
data is usually meant for the use of members only.
No proper procedure is adopted to collect the data.

Secondary data may be influenced by the prejudices of the

investigator.

Secondary data sometimes lacks standard of accuracy.

Secondary data may not cover the full period of investigation.

The following precautions should be observed while making use of secondary data:

1. The data should be used only if these are collected by a reliable, impartial and competent
agency. So, the ability of the collecting organisation should be checked.
2. Data should be used only if the objective of the study as undertaken earlier matches with the
objective and scope of the current statistical enquiry.
3. The method of data collection used by the original investigator should match the nature of
present statistical enquiry.
4. The investigator should study conditions of investigation. For instance, data collected during
times of war may not be suitable to study an enquiry during times of peace.
5. Accuracy of data should also be kept in mind. If the available data do not possess required
level of accuracy, then such data should not be used.
The Census of India provides the most complete and continuous demographic
record of population. Data on birth and death rates, literacy, employment, life
expectancy, size and composition of population etc. are collected and
published by the Registrar General of India. It has been conducted regularly
every 10 years since 1881.The last census was conducted in 2011. A house - to -
house enquiry is carried out covering all the houses in India.
 NSSO (NATIONAL SAMPLE SURVEY ORGANISATION)

NSSO stands for National Sample Survey Organisation. It

was established by the Government of India to conduct
nationwide surveys on socio-economic issues. Surveys
are conducted continuously in successive rounds. The
data collected are released through reports and its
quarterly journal Sarvekshana. NSSO provides periodic
estimates of literacy, school enrolment, utilisation of
educational services, employment, unemployment,
manufacturing and service sector enterprises, morbidity,
maternity, child care, utilisation of the public distribution
system etc. The NSSO also collects details of industrial
activities and retail prices for various goods.
The NSSO organisation has four divisions:

1. Survey Design and Research Division (SDRD)

2. Field Operations Division (FOD)
3. Data Processing Division (DPD)
4. Coordination and Publication Division (CPD)
 ACTIVITIES OF NSSO
NSSO conducts the following activities:

 Carries out multi – subject integrated socio – economic surveys (which may include
employment and unemployment, housing condition, domestic tourism, drinking water,
sanitation, health, labour force, industries etc.);

 Undertakes field work for the Annual Survey of Industries and follow – up surveys of
Economic Census (census of an economy through counting all entrepreneurial units in a
country which are involved in any economic activities of either agricultural or non –
agricultural sector);

 Conducts sample checks on area enumeration and crop estimation surveys of State
Statistical Agencies;

 Prepares the urban frames useful in drawing of urban samples;

 Collects price data from rural and urban sectors;

 Conducts ad – hoc surveys (surveys conducted in response to specific needs) and pilot
enquiries for methodological studies.