Page 77 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Methodology of Research and Statistical Techniques

Notes
VIII 41
IX 35

X 36
XI 32
XII 30
Total 256

Table 5.1 gives the data for class-wise attendance of students. Here the data comprise 7 observations
in all. These observations are, attendance for class VI, VII, and so on. So, data refers to the set
of observations, values, elements or objects under consideration.
The complete set of all possible elements or objects is called a population. Each of the elements
is called a piece of data. Data also refers to the known facts or things used as basis for
inference or reckoning facts, information, material to be processed or stored.

5.1 Nature of Data

For understanding the nature of data, it becomes necessary to study about the various forms
of data, as shown below:
• Qualitative and Quantitative Data
• Continuous and Discrete Data
• Primary and Secondary Data

Notes Qualitative data deals with the description while Quantitative Data deals with
numbers.

5.2 Methods of Data Collection

Data Collection is an important aspect of any type of research study. Inaccurate data collection
can impact the results of a study and ultimately lead to invalid results. In this section, we will
discuss some of the most important methods of data collection.

Primary Data Collection Methods
In primary data collection, you collect the data yourself using methods such as interviews and
questionnaires. The key point here is that the data you collect is unique to you and your
research and, until you publish, no one else has access to it.
There are many methods of collecting primary data and the main methods include:
• questionnaires
• interviews

• focus group interviews
• observation
• case-studies

• diaries

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