Page 17 - DECO504_STATISTICAL_METHODS_IN_ECONOMICS_ENGLISH

Unit 2: Types of Data Collection: Primary and Secondary, Methods of Collecting Primary Data

7. The definition of units in which data are expressed should be kept stable in the present inquiry Notes
also.
8. While using secondary data, general information should also be obtained regarding the type of
investigators, editors and tabulators employed in the primary data collection method.
9. The sources and the methods used should be clearly known.
2.2 Methods of Collecting Primary Data

There are various methods of collecting primary data. They are:
(1) Direct Personal Investigation: As the name itself suggests, in this method information is collected
personally from the sources concerned. Under this, the investigator personally interviews
everyone who is in a position to supply the information he requires. The investigator must
possess the following qualities so that genuine data may be collected. Firstly, the investigator
must be totally unbiased. Secondly, the investigator must have the tact of sustaining calm and
unflustered enquiring environment so that the truth can be revealed. Thirdly, the investigator
must have a sociable and pleasing personality so that the interviewers do not run away from
him. Fourthly, the interviewer should be neutral in matters of clan, sex, race, religion etc.
Merits of this method: (i) Original data are collected, (ii) Correct and required information is
gathered, (iii) The personal presence of the investigator helps in keeping the flexibility in the
enquiry depending upon the type of respondent, (iv) Problem of no-answers is solved to a
great extent i.e., reluctance of response due to not understanding the question etc. can be avoided.
(v) Uniformity in data collection is maintained.
Demerits of this method: (i) Requires a lot of time and personal presence of investigator every
time, (ii) The method is very costly due the above reason, (iii) Cannot be used ideally in cases of
wide investigating field, (iv) Too much dependence on the skills of investigator, (v) Not suitable
when respondents are reluctant to reveal the truth when approached directly.
This method of direct personal investigation is suitable only for intensive investigations.
(2) Indirect Oral Investigation: Sometimes, the requirement of information is such that people are
reluctant to answer when approached directly, and sometimes it is not possible for the
investigator to be present personally with each respondent, it such is case, method of indirect
oral in investigation can be used to collect the primary data. However, in order to ensure genuine
data, it is essential that only those persons should be interviewed who: (i) possess full knowledge,
(ii) are capable of expressing themselves, (iii) are not prejudiced, (iv) are rational.
In this method, a small list of questions is prepared and is put to different people (known as
witnesses) and their answers are recorded. There should be no motivation to give colours to the
facts.
Merits of this Method: (i) A wide field may be brought under investigation, (ii) This method
saves time and labour and hence is less costly, (iii) There is no need to depend too much on the
personal skills of the investigator, (iv) It is easier to deal with all aspects of the problem.
Demerits of this Method: (i) Great care and vigilance is needed in assessing the correct value
of information collected, (ii) Due allowance needs to be made for the conscious and unconscious
bias of the persons giving information, (iii) There is a possibility that the witnesses colour the
information according to their interests, (iv) Dependence of local correspondents increases when
the field of enquiry is wide.
(3) Local Reports: This method is generally used by the news-papers, periodicals, news channels
etc. The government also collects information about prices, agricultural production etc. by this
method.
Merits of this Method: (i) A very wide geographical area can be covered, (ii) Information on
specific issues can be obtained, (iii) Regular flow of information over a long period of time can
be obtained.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 11