Problems involved in collecting primary data

There are various problems that have to be faced while

collecting primary data. The nature of problems depend upon
the different situations. Some as the problems are as follows,
 Generally there is lack of time and money while collecting
data.
 Transportation facility is essential for the enumerators or
investigators to and from the research field. This is one of the
major problems for under developed countries like Nepal.
 There is high degree of non-response error from illiterate
respondents.
 There is chance of getting unreliable data in some situations
because of biasness of the enumerators.
 There may be lack of expertise and trained manpower for
preparing questionnaire and collecting primary data.
 Secondary data
Secondary data are borrowed from the collections which
have already been done by others. They are used when it is not
practicable to collect primary data for want of time, money, and
manpower . very often data collected by others can be easily and
profitable used and it is not necessary to collect primary data.
Sources of secondary data
The sources of secondary data may be classified as
a)Published sources
b)Unpublished sources
 a)Published sources
 Reports and publication of ministries , department of the
government, semi government offices, Nepal Rastra Bank etc.
 Reports and publications of reputed INGO’S such as DUDP,
ADB, UNESCO, WHO, WORLD BANKS etc.
 Reports and publications of reliable NGO’S, journals, periodical
etc.
Note:- In recent years, the internet has become one of the
important sources of data. Almost all reputed companies,
business firms or institutions have internet websites and provide
public access.
 b)Unpublished sources
• Records maintained by government office.
• Records maintained by research institutions, research schools
etc.
• Records updated by the departments institutions for their
internal purpose.
Merits of secondary data
 It saves time and cost.
 If specially trained persons collect it the quality of secondary
data is better.
 The scope of inquiry can be increased in terms of area and time
period to be covered.
 Demerits of secondary data
 Many a times the exact definition of terms and units used in a
secondary data are not known.
 Some information is often omitted or some categories are
pooled.
 Data may not be in the exact form of the requirements of the
researcher.
 Difference between primary and secondary data
Primary data
Primary data are original in the sense
that they are personally collected by the
investigator or researcher involving
himself/herself.
Primary data collection is more
expensive and exhaustive.
Primary data are collected as per
requirement of the investigator.
Primary data may be influenced by
personal prejudice of the investigators
etc.
Secondary data
Secondary data are not original in the
sense that they are collected by some
one other than the investigator or
researcher.
Secondary data are readily available at
less expenses.
Secondary data might have been
collected with different objectives.
Secondary data may not be influenced
by personal prejudice of the investigator
etc.
 Answer the following question
a)Define primary data and secondary data.
b)Distinguish between primary data and secondary data.
c)What are the methods of primary data collection?
Explain briefly.
d) List different sources of secondary data.