PRIMARY DATA

• Data that has been collected from first-hand-experience

• Has not been published yet
• Is more reliable, authentic and objective
• Has not been changed or altered by human beings
• Validity is greater than secondary data
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Surveys and Experiments
• Two important statistical techniques used in research and data collection.
• Experiments are considered as a major source of primary data –
Experimental Research.
• Experiments test various premises by trial and error method
• Surveys are performed - Descriptive Research.
• Surveys collect data provided by the informants
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Experiments - Definition
• Systematic and logical scientific procedure in which one or more
independent variables under test are manipulated, and any change on one or
more dependent variable is measured while controlling for the effect of the
extraneous
• Conducted intentionally to test the hypothesis or to discover something or to
demonstrate a known fact.
• Aims at drawing conclusions concerning the factor on the study group
• Makes inferences from sample to larger population of interest
• Investigator observes the outcome of the experiment
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Survey - Definition
• Method of securing information relating to the variable under study from all or a
specified number of respondents of the universe.
• Sample survey or a census survey
• Relies on the questioning of the informants on a specific subject.
• Follows structured form of data collection, in which a formal questionnaire is
prepared, and the questions are asked in a predefined order.
• Observation, direct communication over telephone/mail or personal interview.
• Questions concerning - behaviour, attitude, motivation, demographic, lifestyle
characteristics, etc.
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Experiment Vs Survey
BASIS FOR
SURVEY EXPERIMENT
COMPARISON
Meaning Survey refers to a technique of gathering Experiment implies a scientific
information regarding a variable under study, procedure wherein the factor under
from the respondents of the population. study is isolated to test hypothesis.

Used in Descriptive Research Experimental Research

Samples Large Relatively small
Suitable for Social and Behavioral sciences Physical and natural sciences

Example of Field research Laboratory research

Data collection Observation, interview, questionnaire, case Through several readings of
study etc. experiment.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages of Using Primary Data
• The investigator collects data specific to the problem under study.
• There is no doubt about the quality of the data collected (for the investigator).
• If required, it may be possible to obtain additional data during the study period.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Disadvantages of Using Primary Data
1. The investigator has to contend with all the hassles of data collection - deciding why,
what, how, when to collect; getting the data collected (personally or through others);
getting funding and dealing with funding agencies; ethical considerations (consent,
permissions, etc.).
2. Ensuring the data collected is of a high standard-
all desired data is obtained accurately, and in the format it is required in;
there is no fake/ cooked up data;
unnecessary/ useless data has not been included.
3. Cost of obtaining the data is often the major expense in studies.
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Methods of collecting primary data

1. Observation Method

2. Questionnaire Method

3. Interviews Met.hod

4. Schedule Method

5. Case Study Method

6. Survey Method