Page 14 - DECO504_STATISTICAL_METHODS_IN_ECONOMICS_ENGLISH

Statistical Methods in Economics Pavitar Parkash Singh, Lovely Professional University

Notes Unit 2: Types of Data Collection: Primary and Secondary,

Methods of Collecting Primary Data

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
2.1 Primary Data and Secondary Data
2.2 Methods of Collecting Primary Data
2.3 Summary
2.4 Key-Words

2.5 Review Questions
2.6 Further Readings

Objectives

After reading this unit students will be able to:
• Define Primary and Secondary Data.
• Discuss the Methods of Collecting Primary Data.

Introduction

On the basis of the method and source by which the data is collected the data is classified into two
types: (1) Primary Data, (2) Secondary Data. Primary data are collected by the investigator first hand,
for the first time and are, therefore, original. Secondary data, on the other hand, which have already
been collected by some other people or agency may be for some other type of enquiry, in this way it
can be seen that secondary data are primary for some. Primary data are in the shape of raw material
whereas secondary data are in the shape of finished products.
2.1 Primary Data and Secondary Data

Primary Data
Primary data are those data which are collected directly from the individual respondents for the first
time by the investigator for certain purpose of study. They are but the raw materials for an
investigation. Primary data are original in character in the sense that they have been recorded as they
occurred without having being grounded at all. They simply relate to the collection of original statistical
information. They are also current and fresh.
For example, the data collected by National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) and Central Statistical
Organization (CSO) for various surveys are primary in character. If an experiment is conducted to
know the effect of a drug on the patients, the observations taken on each patient constitute the primary
data. Primary data are collected when fresh data are needed and also when no other statistical
information are available.

8 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY