Page 19 - DECO504_STATISTICAL_METHODS_IN_ECONOMICS_ENGLISH

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

3. The questions should be framed in a simple way and in easy language. They should be capable Notes
of a straight answer. As far as possible, the questions should be capable of objective answers. A
set of possible answers may be accompanied with each question so that the respondents feel
easy to give the answers. Questions with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers are also useful.
4. Asking personal questions should be avoided because it is quite likely that these questions are
not answered correctly. For example, perks received, income tax paid etc.
5. Questions which tend to hurt the sentiments of the respondents must be avoided. For example,
private-life litigation, indebtness, etc.
In both these cases it is quite likely that there will be either no-response or the response shall be
false.
6. Corroboratory questions should be incorporated in a good questionnaire. These are the questions
which are meant for cross-checking the answers given by the respondents for earlier question.
7. Unless and until it is very essential, questions whose answering requires calculations should
not be asked. For example, what per cent of your income is spent on your children’s schooling
will need a series of calculation. And it is quite likely that the respondents does not give an
accurate answer.
8. The questionnaire should be attractive and impressive. There should be sufficient space for
answering the questions, the quality of paper used and printing on the paper should be good.
It always helps if it is so.
Which method is the best in Collecting Primary Data ?
None of the methods can be termed to be best or worst. Following considerations are taken into
account while selecting the method which should be used to collect primary data —
(1) The nature of investigation: If it is essential to establish personal contacts, ‘direct personal
investigation’ will be appropriate. But if the number of respondents is large and they are educated
also, questionnaire method shall be better. But if the area covered is very wide and information
is to be gathered on a number of subjects, using enumerators shall be better.
(2) Object and scope of enquiry: If the scope of enquiry is limited and is of confidential nature,
‘direct personal investigation’ should be done. But if the scope extends to a number of subjects,
use of questionnaire or enumerators can be made.
(3) Budget: If financial resources are strong, personal investigation can be carried out. But if a wide
survey is to be done with limited financial resources, questionnaire method should be chosen.
(4) Degree of accuracy desired: Highest degree of accuracy is achieved from direct personal
investigation and the accuracy is least in case of information collected from correspondents.
Now, on the basis of budget and other above requirements, the method can be chosen.
(5) Time factor: A large amount of information can be obtained in minimum time by using
enumerators and/or correspondents. If there is long-time available, ‘direct personal
investigation’ may be done.
Self-Assessment
1. Fill in the blanks:
(i) Secondary data may be ............ or ............
(ii) Before finalising a questionnaire ............ is done.
(iii) ............ method is the cheapest method of collecting primary data.
(iv) In ............ method, much depends upon the skills of the investigator.
(v) Least accuracy of information is likely in case of information from the ............ .

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