Methods of Data CollectionEssentially two types:Primary data are those which are collected for the first time and are original in characterSecondary data are those which have already been collected by someone else and which have through some statistical analysis

Collection of Primary DataPrimary data may be collected thru:ExperimentsSurveys (sample surveys or census surveys)ObservationPersonal Interviews

Collection of Primary DataOf the above, the important ones are:Observation MethodInterview MethodThru Questionnaires/Schedules

I. Observation MethodObservation becomes a scientific tool and the method of data collection, when it serves a formulated research purpose, is systematically planned and recorded and is subjected to checks and controls on validity and reliabilityUnder observation the information is sought by way of investigators own direct observation without asking from the respondent

Observation MethodMain advantages are:Subjective bias is eliminatedThe information relates to what is currently happeningThis method is independent of respondents willingness to respond

Observation MethodMain Limitations are:It is expensiveThe information provided by this method is very limitedUnforeseen factors may interfere with the observation task

Types of ObservationEssentially two types:Structured vs. Unstructured ObservationParticipant vs. Non-participant Observation

Structured vs. Unstructured ObservationStructured Observation when the observation is characterized by a careful definition of the units to be observed, the style of recording the observed information, standardized conditions of observation and the selection of pertinent data of observationUnstructured Observation when it takes place without the above characteristics

Participant vs. Non-participantThis distinction depends upon the observers sharing or not sharing the life of the group he is observing

II. Interview MethodThe Interview Method of collecting data involves presentation of oral-verbal stimuli and reply in terms of oral verbal responses

Personal InterviewPI Method requires the interviewer asking questions in a face-to-face contact with the personCollecting information thru PI is structured the use of a set of predetermined questions and highly standardized techniques of recording

Personal InterviewThus, the interviewer in a structured interview follows a rigid procedure, asking questions in a form and order prescribedIn unstructured interviews there is a flexibility of approach to questioning Unstructured interviews do not follow a system of pre-determined questions and standardized techniques of recording information

Other Interview TechniquesFocused Interview to focus attention on the given experience of the respondent and its effectsThe Interviewer has the freedom to decide the manner and sequence of questions to elicit/explore reasons and motives. The main task is to confine the respondent to a discussion of issues

Other Interview TechniquesClinical Interview is concerned with broad underlying feelings or motivations or with the course of an individuals life experience. Eliciting information is left to the interviewers discretionNon-Directive Interview the interviewer's function is simply to encourage the respondent to talk about the topic with a bare minimum of direct questioning. The interviewer often acts as a catalyst to a comprehensive expression of the respondents feelings and beliefs

Advantages More information and in greater depth can be obtainedResistance may be overcome by a skilled interviewerGreater flexibility an opportunity to restructure questionsObservation method can also be applied to recording verbal answersPersonal information can be obtainedPossibility of spontaneous responses and thus more honest responses

Disadvantages Expensive methodInterviewer biasRespondent biasTime consumingUnder the interview method the organization required for selecting, training, and supervising the field staff is complex with formidable problemsEstablishing rapport to facilitate free and frank responses is very difficult

Data Collection Thru QuestionnairesPopular in major studiesBriefly a Questionnaire is sent (by post) to the persons concerned with a request to answer the questions and return the QuestionnaireA Questionnaire consists of a number of questions printed in a definite order on a formThe Questionnaire is mailed to respondents who are expected to read and understand the questions and write down the reply in the space provided

Merits of Questionnaire MethodLow cost even when the universe is large and is widespreadFree from interviewer biasRespondents have adequate time to think thru their answersRespondents who are not easily approachable, can also be reached conveniently Large samples can be used

DemeritsLow rate of returnRespondents need to be educated and cooperativeInbuilt inflexibilityPossibility of ambiguous replies or omission of itemsThis method is slow

Features of a QuestionnaireQuestionnaire is the heart of a survey needs to be carefully constructedNeed to understand the features of the Questionnaire its general form, question sequence and question formulation and the wording of the questions

1. General FormMay be either structured or unstructuredStructured Questionnaires are those in which there are definite, concrete, predetermined questionsThe questions are presented with exactly the same wording and in the same order to all respondentsThe form of the questions may be either closed (yes or no) or open (inviting free responses

General FormStructured Questionnaires may also have fixed alternative questions in which responses are limited to the stated alternativesThus, a highly structured Questionnaire is one in which all the questions and answers are specified and comments in the respondents own words are held to the minimumUnstructured Questionnaire when the above characteristics are absent, it is known as a unstructured QuestionnaireThe Interviewer is provided with a general guideline on the type of information to be obtained

2. Question SequenceProper sequence is needed to elicit valid responsesSequence must be clear that is, the relation of one question to the nextTo establish rapport and to gain cooperation from the respondent difficult questions, personal questions etc should preferably come at the appropriate time rather than at the begining

3. Question Formulation & WordingPhrasing the questions must be clear and unambiguousQuestions should be impartial and unbiasedShould be easily understoodShould be simple (one idea at a time)Should be concreteForm of questions may be multiple choice or open-ended

Data Collection Thru SchedulesVery similar to the Questionnaire methodThe main difference is that a schedule is filled by the enumerator who is specially appointed for the purposeEnumerator goes to the respondents, asks them the questions from the Performa in the order listed, and records the responses in the space providedEnumerators must be trained in administering the schedule

Other Methods of Data CollectionWarranty CardsDistributor or Store AuditsPantry AuditsConsumer PanelsMechanical DevicesDepth InterviewsContent AnalysisProjective Tests

Collection of Secondary DataPublished data are available in:Publications of State/Central govt.sPublications of International BodiesTechnical and Trade JournalsBooks, Magazines and NewspapersReports/Publications of various organizations (banks, stock exchanges, business houses, etc)Reports by scholars, Universities, etcPublic records, Historical Documents, etc

Secondary Data must possess the following characteristics:Reliability of data may be tested by checking:Who collected the data?What were the sources of the data?Was the data collected properly?Suitability of data data that are suitable for one enquiry may not be necessarily suitable in another enquiryTherefore, the researcher must scrutinize the definition of various terms and units of collection. Also, the objectives, scope and nature of the original enquiry must be studiedAdequacy of data the data will be considered inadequate, if they are related to an area which may be either narrower or wider than the area of the present enquiry