Data Collection Methods

What is DATA?????
Data are the set of values of qualitative or quantitative
variables about one or more persons or objects.

 Data are simply units of information.

 Data are measured, collected, reported, analyzed, and
used to create data visualizations such as graphs, tables or
Images.
Quantitative Data (Numerical)
 Data refers to measurable observations.

 Examples-
Qualitative Data (categorial)
 Qualitative data is the data that can be arranged into categories
based on physical traits, gender, colors or anything that does not
have a number associated with it.
 Qualitative-involves more details tells you why, when and how!

 Examples-
 What is Data Collection?

It is the process by which the

researcher collects the information
needed to answer the research
problem.
The task of data collection begins
after a research problem has been
defined.
In collecting the data,the researcher must decide:

Which data is to collect?

How to collect the Data?
Who will collect the Data?
When to collect the Data?
The Purpose of Data Collection
 Methods of Data Collection
Essentialy Two Types:

PRIMARY DATA
Primary data are those which are collected for
the first time and are original in character.

SECONDARY DATA
Secondary data are those which have already
been collected-by someone else.
Primary Data v/s Secondary Data
Methods of Collecting Primary Data

Primary • Observation
Data may • Surveys
be • Interviews
• Questionnaires
collected • Schedules
through:
 1. Observation Method

Observation method is a method under which data

from the field is collected with the help of
observation by the observer or by personally going to
the field.
Steps For An Effective Observation
Determine what needs to be observed

Select participants
Random/Selected

Conduct the observation

(venue, duration, recording materials, take photographs )

Compile data collected

Analyze and interpret data collected

 Types of OBSERVATION Methods

1- Structured Observation
When the observation is characterized by a careful definition
of the units to be observed (predefined), the style of recording the
observed information, standardized conditions of observation and
the selection of related data of observation.

2- Unstructured Observation
When it takes place without the above characteristics.
(Not predefined)
3- Participant Observation
When the observer is member of the group which he is
observing then it is Participant Observation.

4- Non-Participant Observation
When the observer is not the member of the group
which he is observing then it is Non-Participant
Observation.
observer is observing people without giving any
information to them then it is Non-Paricipant Observation.
5- Uncontrolled Observation
When the observation takes place in natural contition i.e.,
uncontrolled observation.It is done to get spontaneous picture of
life and persons.

6- Controlled Observation
When observation takes place according to pre-arranged
plans, with experimental procedure then it is controlled observation
generally done in laboratory under controlled condition.
 Advantages of observation Method
Produces Large quantities of data.

All data obtained from observations are usable.

The observation technique can be stopped or begun at any time.

Relative Inexpensive
disadvantages of observation Method

Interviewing selected subjects may provide more information, economically,

than waiting for the spontaneous occurrence of the situation.

Extensive Training is needed.

Limited information
ONE OF THE WIDELY USED RESEARCH
DESIGN TO COLLECT DATA IS

SURVEYS
How to collect Primary information through survey

 A researcher can collect information

either

by observation

or

by asking.

 WHEN HE/SHE ASKS FOR INFORMATION, WE SAY

THAT HE/SHE IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY.
 2. SURVEY Method

A ‘survey’ is a technique of gathering information

by questioning those individuals who are the
object of the research belong to a representative
sample, through standardized or questioning
procedure, with the aim of studying the
relationship among the variables and/or collecting
information that probably describe the whole
population.
There may be different ways to conduct
surveys…
Survey
Methods

Telephonic Personal Electronic

Survey

In-Home Computer-Assisted E-mail Internet

Personal Interviewing
3.Interview Method

The Interview Method of collecting data

involves presentation of oral-verbal stimuli
and reply in terms of oral- verbal responses.
where the questions are asked personally directly
to the respondent.
Interviewer asks questions to respondent.
(which are aimed to get information
required for study)
Steps For An Effective Interview

 Prepare interview schedule

 Select subjects/ key Respondent

Conduct the interview

 Analyze and interpret data collected from

the interview
Types of Interview Methods

1- Structured Interviews :
In this case, a set of predecided questions
are there.

2- Unstructured Interviews :
In this case, we don’t follow a system of
pre-determined questions.
 3- Focused Group Interview
 Unstructured and Free flowing
 Focus Group has one Moderator
 Moderator maintains control and focuses discussion
 It involves 6 to 10 people
 Group interview start with broad topic and focus in on
specific issues
 Relatively homogeneous
 Similar lifestyles and experiences
 Generate discussion and interaction
 Listens to what people have to say
 Everyone gets a chance to speak
4- Clinical Interviews :
• Information is generated and utilized at every step this process
including the activities of investigation, observation,
monitoring, diagnosis, planning, treatment and review.
• They also record their plans, orders, procedures performed,
observations, test results, opinions and discussions.

5- Group Interviews :
It is done in a group of 6 to 8 individuals is
interviewed.
6- Qualitative and quantitative Interviews :
It is divided on the basis of subject matter i.e.,
whether qualitative or quantitative.

7- Individual Interviews :
Interviewer meets a single person and
interviews him.

8- Selection Interviews :
Done for selection of people for certain Jobs.
 Advantages of Interview Method

More information
at greater depth
can be obtained

Resistance may be
overcome by a
skilled interviewer

Personal
information can
be obtained
disadvantages of Interview Method

It is an expensive Method

Interviewer bias

Respondent bias

Time consuming
 4.Questionnaires
The term “questionnaire” refers to an instrument for
the collection of data, usually in written form,
consisting of open/closed questions and other
enquiries requiring a response from subjects.

A Questionnaire is sent ( by post or by mail ) to the

persons concerned with a request to answer the
questions and return the Questionnaire.

A Questionnaire consists of a number of questions

printed in a definite order on a form.
Steps For An Effective Questionnaire
Prepare questions
(Formulate & choose types of questions, order them, write instructions, make copies)

Select your respondents

Random/Selected

Administer the questionnaire

(date, venue, time )

Tabulate data collected

Analyze and interpret data collected

Types of Questionnaire Methods

1- Open-ended questions
This gives the respondents the ability to respond in their own
words.
2- Close-ended or fixed alternative questions
This allows the respondents to choose one of the given
alternatives.
Types:- Dichotomous questions and Multiple Questions.
Essentials of Good Questionnaire

 Should be short and simple

 Follow a sequence of questions from easy to difficult one
 Technical terms should be avoided
 Should provide adequate space for answers in
questionnaire
Directions regarding filling of questionnaire should be
given Physical Appearance – Quality of paper, Color
 Sequence must be clear
 advantages of questionnaire Method

Low cost –even when the universe is large and is widespread

Free from interviewer bias

Responddents have adequate time to think through the answers.

Respondents who are not easily approachable, can also be reached conveniently.

Large samples can be used

disadvantages of questionnaire Method

Time consuming

The respondents need to be educated and cooperative

This method is slow

Possibility of unclear replies.

 5.Schedules
 Very similar to Questionnaire method
The main difference is that a schedule is
filled by the enumerator who is specially
appointed for the purpose.
Enumerator goes to the respondents,
asks them the questions from the
Questionnaire in the order listed, and
records the responses in the space
provided.
 Enumerator must be trained in
administering the schedule.
 Questionnaire Vs. Schedule

Questionnaire Schedule
Q generally send to through mail Schedule is filled by the
and no further assistance from enumerator or
sender. research worker.
 Q is cheaper method.  Costly requires field
 Non response is high. workers.
 In questionnaire, it is not confirmed  Non response is low.
that expected respondent have  In schedule identity of
filled the answers. person is known.
 Questionnaire Vs. Schedule

Questionnaire Schedule
Very slow method. Information is collected well
Incomplete and wrong on time.
Information is more. Depends on Honesty of the
enumerator.
No personal contacts.
Direct personal contacts.
Depends on the quality
of questionnaire. Relatively more correct and
complete.
Q can used only when
respondent is educated Information can be collected
and well cooperative. from illiterates also.
Secondary Data Collection Methods

• Data gathered and recorded by someone else.

• Secondary data is data that has been collected for
another purpose.
• It involves less cost, time and effort.
• Secondary data is data that is being reused. Usually
in a different context.
• For example: data from a book.
SOURCES of secondary data collection

INTERNAL SOURCES
Internal sources of secondary data are usually for
marketing application-
 Sales Records
 Marketing Activity
 Cost Information
 Distributor reports and feedback
 Customer feedback
EXTERNAL SOURCES
External sources of secondary data
 Journals
 Books
 Magazines
 Newspaper
 Libraries
 The Internet
 Secondary Data Sources
 Other Sources of secondary data collection:
• Publications of Central, state , local government
• Technical and trade journals
• Books, Magazines, Newspaper
• Reports & publications of industry ,bank, stock
exchange
• Reports by research scholars, Universities,
economist
• Public Records
 Factors to be considered before using secondary
data
• Reliability of data - Who, when , which methods, at what time
etc. must be investigated.

• Suitability of data – Object ,scope, and nature of original inquiry

should be studied, as if the study was with different objective
then that data is not suitable for current study

• Adequacy of data– Level of accuracy, • Area differences then

data is not adequate for study
Selection of proper Method for collection of
Data
 Nature ,Scope and object of inquiry

 Availability of Funds

 Time Factor

 Accuracy Required
advantages of secondary data Method
disadvantages of secondary data Method
 THANK YOU ALL

To be Continued ....