COLLECTION OF

DATA
WHY DO WE NEED TO COLLECT DATA?
• It is through data collection that a business or management
has the quality information they need to make informed
decisions from further analysis, study, and research. ...
• Data collection instead allows them to stay on top of
trends, provide answers to problems, and analyze new
insights to great effect.
METHODS USED IN THE COLLECTION
OF DATA:
How are data collected? Several techniques may be used in
gathering statistical data. These techniques include the interview
method, questionnaire method, the observation method, and
experimental method. Primary data are collected by the following
methods:
1. THE DIRECT OR INTERVIEW
METHOD.
This is a method of person — person exchange between the
interviewer and the interviewee. The interview method provides
consistent and more precise information since clarification may be
given by the interviewee. Questions may be repeated or modified to
suit each interviewee's level of understanding. However, this method
is time-consuming, expensive, and has limited field of coverage.
2. THE INDIRECT OR QUESTIONNAIRE
METHOD.
In this method, written responses are given to prepared questions. A
questionnaire is a list of questions which are intended to elicit
answers to the problems of a study. This method is inexpensive and
can cover a wide area in a shorter span of time. Informers may feel a
greater sense of freedom to express views and opinions because their
anonymity is maintained.
3. THE REGISTRATION METHOD.
This method of gathering information is enforced by certain laws.
Examples are the registration of births, deaths, motor vehicles,
marriages, and licenses. The advantage of this method is that
information is kept systematized and made available to all because of
the requirements of the law.
4. OBSERVATION METHOD
In this method, the investigator observes the behavior of persons or
organizations and their outcomes. It, is usually used when the subjects
cannot talk or write. The method makes possible the recording of
behavior at the appropriate time and situation.
5. THE EXPERIMENT METHOD
This method is used when the objective is to determine the cause-and-
effect relationship of certain phenomena under controlled conditions.
Scientific researchers usually use the experiment method.
EXAMPLE:
Teacher Viola wants to find the number of students in her advisory class who have
birthdays falling on each of the 12 months. She collects the data in the following
manner:
a. Check the date of birth of each student in the class registry.
b. Ask the students to raise their hands if their birthdays fall in a certain month.
c. Make a form and ask the students to write birthdates and return the form to her.
Identify the data collection used in each case.
Answer:
a. Registration method.
b. Direct or interview method.
c. Indirect or questionnaire method.