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Neha Tikoo, Lovely Professional University Unit 5: Collection of Data

Unit 5: Collection of Data Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction

5.1 Collection of Data
5.2 Method of Collecting Data
5.2.1 Drafting a Questionnaire or a Schedule

5.3 Sources of Secondary Data
5.3.1 Secondary Data
5.4 Summary
5.5 Keywords
5.6 Review Questions

5.7 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
Tell about the collection of data

Describe the methods of collecting primary data
State the merits and demerits of different methods of collecting primary data
Explain the concept of drafting a Questionnaire or a Schedule
Know about collection of secondary data

Introduction

The collection and analysis of data constitute the main stages of execution of any statistical
investigation. However, between these two stages there is always an intermediate stage, known
as the editing of data. The process of editing refines the collected data by checking inconsistencies,
inaccuracies, illegible writings and other types of deficiencies or errors present in the collected
information.

5.1 Collection of Data

The procedure for collection of data depends upon various considerations such as objective,
scope, nature of investigation, etc. Availability of resources like money, time, manpower, etc.,
also affect the choice of a procedure. Data may be collected either from a primary or from a
secondary source. Data from a primary source are collected, for the first time, keeping in view
the objective of investigation. Secondary data, on the other hand, are available from certain
publications or reports. Such data are already collected by some other agency in the past for
some other purpose. Thus, the primary data collected with a specified objective of investigation,
are likely to be more reliable as compared to secondary data. The use of secondary data, whenever

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