Page 139 - DMGT209_QUANTITATIVE_TECHNIQUES_II

Quantitative Techniques-II

Notes 7.3.6 Schedule Method

Schedule may be defined as a proforma that contains a set of questions which are asked and
filled by an interviewer in a face to face situation with another. It is a standardized device or tool
of observation to collect the data in an objective manner. In this method of data collection the
interviewer puts certain questions and the respondent furnishes certain answers and the
interviewer records as they are given.

Purpose/Objectives of the Schedule

The main objectives of the schedule are as follows:
 Delimitation of the topic: A schedule is always about a definite item of enquiry. It’s
subject is a single and isolated item rather than the research subject in general. The schedule
therefore delimits and specifies the subject of enquiry.
 Aids to Memorize: It is not possible for the interviewer to keep in mind or memorize all
the information that he collects from different respondents. Without a standardized tool,
he might ask different questions to different respondents and thereby get confused when
he requires to analyze and tabulate the data. Therefore schedule acts as an “aide memoire”.
 Aid to classification and analysis: Another objective of the schedule is to tabulate and
analyze the data collected in a scientific and homogeneous manner.

Types of Schedules

These are as follows:
 Observation Schedule: The schedules which are used for observation are known as
observation schedules. Using this schedule, observer records the activities and responses
of an individual respondent or a group of respondents under specific conditions. The main
purpose of the observation schedule is to verify information.
 Rating Schedule: Rating schedules are used to assess the attitudes, opinions, preferences,
inhibitions, perceptions and other similar elements or attributes of respondent. Such
measurement is done using a Rating Scale.

 Document Schedule: These schedules are used in exploratory research to obtain data
regarding written evidence and case histories from autobiography, diary, or records of
government etc. It is an important method for collecting preliminary data or for preparing
a source list.
 Institution Survey Schedules: This type of schedule is used for studying different problems
of institutions.
 Interview Schedule: Using his schedule, an interviewer presents the questions to the
interviewee and records his responses in the given space of the questionnaire.

Merits of Schedule Method

The schedule method has the following merits:
 Higher response: In the schedule, since a research worker is present and he can explain and
persuade the respondent, response rate is high. In case of any mistake in the schedule, the
researcher can rectify it.

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