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Unit 5: Collection of Data

Secondary data should be used very carefully, only after examining that these are suitable, Notes
adequate and reliable for the purpose of investigation under consideration.

5.5 Keywords

Direct Personal Observation: Under this method, the investigator collects data by having direct
contact with the units of investigation.
Editing of data: 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.
Indirect Oral Interview: This method is used when the area of investigation is very large or the
respondents are reluctant to part with the information due to various reasons. Under this method,
the investigator collects data from a third party or witness or head of an institution, etc., who is
supposed to be in touch with the respondents.
Multiple choice questions: In such questions, the possible answers are printed in the questionnaire
and the respondent is supposed to tick any one of them.
Open questions: These types of questions are to be answered by the respondent in his own
words.

Questionnaire/Schedule: questionnaire/schedule is a list of questions relating to the problem
under investigation.
Secondary data: The data, collected and used by some other person or agency for an investigation
in the past, when used for the investigation of a current problem, is known as secondary data.
Specific information questions: Such questions are used to extract specific information like; how
many members are there in your family, what is your monthly income, etc.

5.6 Review Questions

1. What are various methods of collecting statistical data? Which of these is more reliable
and why?
2. Discuss the comparative merits of various methods of collecting primary data. Which
method would you recommend for the following investigations:

(a) A family budget enquiry of teachers of a university.
(b) Survey of economic conditions of workers in cottage and small scale industries of a
town.

3. “In collection of statistical data, common sense is the chief requisite and experience is the
chief teacher”. Discuss this statement.
4. What do you understand by secondary data? State their chief sources and point out dangers
involved in their use. What precaution must be taken while using such data for further
investigation?
5. “Statistics especially other people’s statistics are full of pitfalls for the user unless used
with caution”. Explain the meaning of this statement and mention various merits and
demerits of using secondary data.
6. What are the requisites of a good questionnaire? Explain the procedure for collection of
data through mailing of questionnaire.

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