Page 20 - DECO504_STATISTICAL_METHODS_IN_ECONOMICS_ENGLISH

Statistical Methods in Economics

Notes 2.3 Summary

• 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.
• Secondary data are those data which have already been collected by somebody for others for
some other purposes. They are in the finished form of the investigation.
• Secondary data are secondary in character in the sense that those statistical information which
have already been processed to a certain extent for a certain purpose. They are expressed in
totals, averages or percentages.
• Secondary data are collected when adequate and authentic statistical information are already
available and when there is waste of time and money to collect fresh statistical information.
• Secondary data should be used only after careful examination of the data. It is because of the
fact that the secondary data may sometimes be unsuitable, inadequate, inaccurate, unreliable
and incomparable to serve the purpose of the the present investigation or inquiry.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• This method is usually used by private individuals, research workers, non-official institutions
and even the Government. In this method, a list of questions is prepared and information is
collected about the problem.
• Using enumerators to send the questionnaire to the people, who also help them in filling the
questionnaire. This method is adopted when there is a possibility of language problem or the
respondent is illiterate or when there is probability of avoidance of answering by the respondents.
• The questionnaire method is the method in which primary data is collected by distributing a
list of questions related to the probe to those who are supposed to have knowledge about the
problem. In this way, it can be said that, the success of the Statistical enquiry in this case depends,
to a large extent on the questionnaire.
• The questionnaire should be started with a covering letter which should be written in a polite
language requesting the respondents to answer to the best of their knowledge. The letter should
emphasize the need and usefulness of the information that is being collected. The letter should
also ensure that the information obtained from them shall be strictly used only for the said
purpose and the information and name of the respondents shall be kept confidential.

14 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY