MATS UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF LAW

Aarang-Kharora Highway, Gullu, Aarang, Raipur (C.G.) 493441

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ASSIGNMENT ON:

“RESEARCH TOOLS AND DATA PROCESSING”

SUBMITTED TO: -
DR. RAHUL SINGH
(ASSISTANT PROFESSOR)

SUBMITTED BY: -
HARSHPREET KAUR
SEMESTER-I (LLM)
ENROLLMENT NO.: MU24LLM1Y013
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I, Harshpreet Kaur, takes this opportunity to express my profound gratitude

and deep regards to Prof. Dr. Shivakant Prajapati (HOD), Law and all my
professors of MATS University, School of Law, Raipur, Chhattisgarh-
493441 for their exemplary guidance, monitoring, and constant
encouragement.

Also, I find no words to express, my profound thanks and deep sense of

gratitude to Prof. Dr. Rahul Singh (Faculty: Research Methodology), for
providing me this opportunity to work on the project who was kind enough
to give me academic support and advice from time to time.

I also want to thank all my friends; without whose cooperation this project
was not possible. Apart from all these, I am extremely thankful to library staff
of MATS University, School of Law, Raipur, Chhattisgarh-493441 who
made every relevant material regarding to my topic available to me at the
time of my busy research work and gave me assistance. Lastly, I would like
to express my deep sense of appreciation to everybody directly or indirectly
involved in this project work, all through the making of it.

HARSHPREET KAUR
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

S. NO. PARTICULARS PAGE NO.

1. INTRODUCTION
2. TYPES OF DATA
3. METHODS OF PRIMARY DATA
COLLECTION
4. METHODS OF SECONDARY DATA
COLLECTION
5. ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR DATA
COLLECTION/ NORMS IN RESEARCH
6. CONCLUSION
7. BIBLIOGRAPHY
 INTRODUCTION
Data collection is a fundamental phase in any research process, playing a critical role in
determining the success of a study. It involves gathering information that will be analysed
to answer research questions, test hypotheses, and ultimately achieve the research
objectives. The quality of the data collected directly influences the validity and reliability
of the research findings, making it essential to choose appropriate data collection
methods. There are various types of data-such as quantitative, qualitative, primary, and
secondary data-and each type requires different methods of collection. However, this
selection process can be challenging, as each method comes with its own set of
advantages and disadvantages.

The choice of data collection method depends on the research objectives, scope, and
design. Qualitative research often emphasizes textual or narrative data to explore
underlying meanings, perceptions, or social phenomena. For example, case study analysis
or doctrinal research in law relies on qualitative data to interpret legal principles or
judicial reasoning. Quantitative research, on the other hand, involves numerical data to
identify patterns, relationships, or statistical significance. A mixed-method approach,
which combines qualitative and quantitative techniques, is also common in
interdisciplinary legal studies to provide a comprehensive perspective.

Ethical considerations are paramount in the data collection process. Researchers must
obtain informed consent from participants, ensure confidentiality, and avoid any form of
bias or manipulation. Effective data collection requires meticulous planning, including
the selection of appropriate tools, sampling techniques, and data validation methods.
Inaccurate or incomplete data can compromise the research outcome, making it essential
to maintain rigor and objectivity throughout the process.

In conclusion, data collection is a cornerstone of research methodology, enabling scholars

to systematically acquire information that supports their academic inquiry. Whether
through primary or secondary sources, the integrity of the data collection process
determines the overall success of the research endeavour.
 TYPES OF DATA

QUALITATIVE QUANTITATIVE
DATA DATA

FOCUS DOCUMENT
EXPERIMENTS SURVEYS
GROUP REVIEWS

INTERVIEWS STRUCTURED
OBSERVATIONS

MIXED
METHODS
 METHOD OF COLLECTION OF DATA

PRIMARY DATA SECONDARY

DATA

1. EXPERIMENTS 1. BOOKS

2. INTERNET
2. SURVEYS ARTICLES

3. QUESTIONNAIRE
3. BIOGRAPHIES

4. INTERVIEWS 4. RECORDS

5. OBSERVATIONS 5. ONLINE
DATABASES

6. DATA ARCHIVES

7. NEWSPAPER
 1. QUALITATIVE DATA:

Qualitative data are mostly non-numerical and usually descriptive or nominal in nature.
This means the data collected are in the form of words and sentences. Often (not always),
such data captures feelings, emotions, or subjective perceptions of something. Qualitative
approaches aim to address the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of a program and tend to use unstructured
methods of data collection to fully explore the topic. Qualitative questions are open-
ended. Qualitative methods include focus groups, group discussions and interviews.
Qualitative approaches are good for further exploring the effects and unintended
consequences of a program. They are, however, expensive and time consuming to
implement. Additionally, the findings cannot be generalized to participants outside of the
program and are only indicative of the group involved. Qualitative data collection
methods play an important role in impact evaluation by providing information useful to
understand the processes behind observed results and assess changes in people’s
perceptions of their well-being. Furthermore, qualitative methods can be used to improve
the quality of survey-based quantitative evaluations by helping generate evaluation
hypothesis; strengthening the design of survey questionnaires and expanding or clarifying
quantitative evaluation findings. These methods are characterized by the following
attributes -
• they tend to be open-ended and have less structured protocols (i.e., researchers
may change the data collection strategy by adding, refining, or dropping
techniques or informants);
• they rely more heavily on interactive interviews; respondents may be interviewed
several times to follow up on a particular issue, clarify concepts or check the
reliability of data;
• they use triangulation to increase the credibility of their findings (i.e.,
researchers rely on multiple data collection methods to check the authenticity of
their results);
• generally, their findings are not generalizable to any specific population, rather
each case study produces a single piece of evidence that can be used to seek
general patterns among different studies of the same issue.
Regardless of the kinds of data involved, data collection in a qualitative study takes a
great deal of time. The researcher needs to record any potentially useful data
thoroughly, accurately, and systematically, using field notes, sketches, audiotapes,
photographs and other suitable means. The data collection methods must observe the
ethical principles of research. The qualitative methods most used in evaluation can be
classified in three broad categories –
1. In-depth interview
2. Observation methods
3. Document review.

2. QUANTITATIVE DATA:

Quantitative data is numerical in nature and can be mathematically computed.

Quantitative data measure uses different scales, which can be classified as nominal scale,
ordinal scale, interval scale and ratio scale. Often (not always), such data includes
measurements of something. Quantitative approaches address the ‘what’ of the program.
They use a systematic standardized approach and employ methods such as surveys and
ask questions. Quantitative approaches have the advantage that they are cheaper to
implement, are standardized so comparisons can be easily made and the size of the effect
can usually be measured. Quantitative approaches however are limited in their capacity
for the investigation and explanation of similarities and unexpected differences.

The Quantitative data collection methods rely on random sampling and structured data
collection instruments that fit diverse experiences into predetermined response categories.
They produce results that are easy to summarize, compare, and generalize. If the intent is
to generalize from the research participants to a larger population, the researcher will
employ probability sampling to select participants. Typical quantitative data gathering
strategies include –
(i) Experiments/clinical trials.
(ii) Observing and recording well-defined events (e.g., counting the number of
patients waiting in emergency at specified times of the day).

(iii) Obtaining relevant data from management information systems.

(iv) Administering surveys with closed-ended questions (e.g., face-to face and
telephone interviews, questionnaires etc).

(v) In quantitative research (survey research), interviews are more structured than in
Qualitative research. In a structured interview, the researcher asks a standard set
of questions and nothing more. Face -to -face interviews have a distinct
advantage of enabling the researcher to establish rapport with potential
participants and therefore gain their cooperation.

(vi) Paper-pencil-questionnaires can be sent to many people and saves the researcher
time and money. People are more truthful while responding to the questionnaires
regarding controversial issues since their responses are anonymous.

3. MIXED METHODS:

Mixed methods approach as design, combining both qualitative and quantitative research
data, techniques, and methods within a single research framework. Mixed methods
approaches may mean several things, i.e. several different types of methods in a study or
at different points within a study or using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative
methods. Mixed methods encompass multifaceted approaches that combine to capitalize
on strengths and reduce weaknesses that stem from using a single research design. Using
this approach to gather and evaluate data may assist to increase the validity and reliability
of the research. Some of the common areas in which mixed-method approaches may be
used include –
(i) Initiating, designing, developing, and expanding interventions;
(ii) Evaluation;
(iii) Improving research design; and
(iv) Corroborating findings, data triangulation or convergence.

Some of the challenges of using a mixed methods approach include –

(i) Delineating complementary qualitative and quantitative research questions;
(ii) Time-intensive data collection and analysis; and
(iii) Decisions regarding which research methods to combine.
Mixed methods are useful in highlighting complex research problems such as disparities
in health and can also be transformative in addressing issues for vulnerable or
marginalized populations or research which involves community participation. Using a
mixed-methods approach is one way to develop creative options to traditional or single
design approaches to research and evaluation.

4. PRIMARY DATA

Data that has been collected from first-hand-experience is known as primary data.
Primary data has not been published yet and is more reliable, authentic, and objective.
Primary data has not been changed or altered by human beings; therefore, its validity is
greater than secondary data.

Importance of Primary Data:

In statistical surveys it is necessary to get information from primary sources and work on
primary data. For example, the statistical records of female population in a country
cannot be based on newspaper, magazine, and other printed sources. Research can be
conducted without secondary data but a research based on only secondary data is least
reliable and may have biases because secondary data has already been manipulated by
human beings. One of such sources is old and secondly, they contain limited information
as well as they can be misleading and biased. Sources for primary data are limited and at
times it becomes difficult to obtain data from primary source because of either scarcity
of population or lack of cooperation.

Following is some of the sources of primary data.

 Experiments
 Survey
 Questionnaire
 Interview
 Observations

Advantages of Using Primary Data

1. The investigator collects data specific to the problem under study.

 2. There is no doubt about the quality of the data collected (for the investigator).
3. If required, it may be possible to obtain additional data during the study period.

Disadvantages of Using Primary Data

1. The investigator must contend with all the hassles of data collection-
• deciding why, what, how, when to collect;
• getting the data collected (personally or through others);
• getting funding and dealing with funding agencies;
• ethical considerations (consent, permissions, etc.).

2. Ensuring the data collected is of a high standard-

• all desired data is obtained accurately, and in the format, it is required in;
• there is no fake/ cooked up data;
• unnecessary/ useless data has not been included.

3. Cost of obtaining the data is often the major expense in studies.

5. SECONDARY DATA

Data collected from a source that has already been published in any form is called as
secondary data. The review of literature in any research is based on secondary data. It is
collected by someone else for some other purpose (but being utilized by the investigator
for another purpose). For examples, Census data being used to analyse the impact of
education on career choice and earning. Common sources of secondary data for social
science include censuses, organizational records and data collected through qualitative
methodologies or qualitative research. Secondary data is essential, since it is impossible
to conduct a new survey that can adequately capture past change and/or developments.
Sources of Secondary Data:

The following are some ways of collecting secondary data –

 Books
 Records
  Biographies
 Newspapers
 Published censuses or other statistical data
 Data archives
 Internet articles
 Research articles by other researchers (journals)
 Databases, etc.

Importance of Secondary Data:

Secondary data can be less valid but its importance is still there. Sometimes it is difficult
to obtain primary data; in these cases, getting information from secondary sources are
easier and possible. Sometimes primary data does not exist in such situation one has to
confine the research on secondary data. Sometimes primary data is present but the
respondents are not willing to reveal it in such case too secondary data can suffice.

A clear benefit of using secondary data is that much of the background work needed has
already been carried out. For example, literature reviews, case studies might have been
carried out, published texts and statistics could have been already used elsewhere, media
promotion and personal contacts have also been utilized. Secondary data generally have
a pre-established degree of validity and reliability which need not be re-examined by the
researcher who is re-using such data.

Advantages of Using Secondary Data

1. No hassles of data collection.

2. It is less expensive.
3. The investigator is not personally responsible for the quality of data.
Disadvantages of Using Secondary Data
1. The data collected by the third party may not be a reliable party so the reliability
and accuracy of data go down.
2. Data collected in one location may not be suitable for the other one due variable
environmental factor.
3. With the passage of time the data becomes obsolete and very old.
4. Secondary data collected can distort the results of the research. For using
secondary data, a special care is required to amend or modify for use.
5. Secondary data can also raise issues of authenticity and copyright.

Keeping in view the advantages and disadvantages of sources of data requirement of the
research study and time factor, both sources of data i.e. primary and secondary data have
been selected. These are used in combination to give proper coverage to the topic.

METHODS OF PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION

1. Experiments:
Experiments involve conducting controlled tests to analyze cause-and-effect
relationships. In legal research, experiments may assess the impact of laws or
policies through mock trials or simulations, ensuring controlled variables and
reliable outcomes.

2. Surveys:
Surveys collect data from a targeted population by administering structured or
semi-structured questionnaires. In legal studies, they are used to gauge public
opinions on legal issues, policies, or societal challenges.

3. Questionnaires:
Questionnaires are written sets of questions designed to gather information from
respondents. They are often employed in socio-legal research to explore patterns
or behaviors in response to specific legal frameworks.
4. Interviews:
Interviews involve direct communication with individuals to obtain qualitative
insights. Legal researchers use interviews to gather opinions from legal experts,
witnesses, or stakeholders, providing depth and context to the study.

5. Observations:
This method involves monitoring and recording behaviors or phenomena as they
occur naturally. In legal research, observation is used to study courtroom
proceedings or dispute resolution practices without influencing the environment.

METHODS OF SECONDARY DATA COLLECTION

1. Books:
Books provide foundational and interpretative knowledge on legal principles,
theories, and case laws, serving as a critical source for doctrinal research.

2. Records:
Official records, such as court judgments, government documents, or contracts,
offer primary legal data essential for analysis and reference.

3. Biographies:
Biographies of legal professionals or reformers provide historical insights and
perspectives on the evolution of laws and legal systems.

4. Newspapers:
Newspapers offer contemporary accounts of legal developments, public opinions,
and social implications of laws, aiding socio-legal studies.

5. Published Censuses or Statistical Data:

These provide demographic or statistical evidence to support legal arguments,
such as data on crime rates or economic trends.
 6. Data Archives:
Archives preserve historical records, including treaties, legislations, and legal
correspondences, valuable for longitudinal research.

7. Internet Articles:
Internet articles offer immediate access to a vast repository of legal content,
including updates on recent laws and interpretations.

8. Research Articles (Journals):

Peer-reviewed journals provide in-depth analysis, critical evaluations, and diverse
perspectives on legal issues, enriching academic research.

9. Databases:
Legal databases, like Manupatra or SCC Online, offer access to comprehensive
case law collections, statutes, and commentaries for doctrinal and analytical
research.

ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR DATA COLLECTION/ NORMS

IN RESEARCH

There are several reasons why it is important to adhere to ethical norms in research. First,
norms promote the aims of research, such as knowledge, truth, and avoidance of error.
For example, prohibitions against fabricating, falsifying, or misrepresenting research data
promote the truth and avoid error. Second, since research often involves a great deal of
cooperation and coordination among many different people in different disciplines and
institutions, ethical standards promote the values that are essential to collaborative work,
such as trust, accountability, mutual respect, and fairness. For example, many ethical
norms in research, such as guidelines for authorship, copyright and patenting policies,
data sharing policies, and confidentiality rules in peer review, are designed to protect
intellectual property interests while encouraging collaboration. Most researchers want to
receive credit for their contributions and do not want to have their ideas stolen or disclosed
prematurely. Third, many of the ethical norms help to ensure that researchers can be held
accountable to the public. Fourth, ethical norms in research also help to build public
support for research. People more likely to fund research project if they can trust the
quality and integrity of research. Finally, many of the norms of research promote a variety
of other important moral and social values, such as social responsibility, human rights,
animal welfare, compliance with the law, and health and safety. Ethical lapses in research
can significantly harm human and animal subjects, students, and the public. For example,
a researcher who fabricates data in a clinical trial may harm or even kill patients, and a
researcher who fails to abide by regulations and guidelines relating to radiation or
biological safety may jeopardize his health and safety or the health and safety of staff and
students.
Given the importance of ethics for the conduct of research, it should come as no surprise
that many different professional associations, government agencies, and universities have
adopted specific codes, rules, and policies relating to research ethics. The following is a
rough and general summary of some ethical principles that various codes address -

1. Honesty: Strive for honesty in all scientific communications. Honestly report data,
results, methods and procedures, and publication status. Do not fabricate, falsify,
or misrepresent data. Do not deceive colleagues, granting agencies, or the public.

2. Objectivity: Strive to avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data

interpretation, peer review, personnel decisions, grant writing, expert testimony,
and other aspects of research where objectivity is expected or required. Avoid or
minimize bias or self-deception. Disclose personal or financial interests that may
affect research.

3. Integrity: Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for
consistency of thought and action.

4. Carefulness: Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine
your own work and the work of your peers. Keep good records of research
activities, such as data collection, research design, and correspondence with
agencies or journals.
5. Openness: Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism and new
ideas.

6. Respect for Intellectual Property: Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of
intellectual property. Do not use unpublished data, methods, or results without
permission. Give credit where credit is due. Give proper acknowledgement or
credit for all contributions to research. Never plagiarize.

7. Confidentiality: Protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants

submitted for publication, personnel records, trade or military secrets, and patient
records.

8. Responsible Publication: Publish to advance research and scholarship, not to

advance just your own career. Avoid wasteful and duplicative publication.

9. Responsible Mentoring: Help to educate, mentor, and advise students. Promote

their welfare and allow them to make their own decisions.

10. Respect for Colleagues: Respect your colleagues and treat them fairly.

11. Social Responsibility: Strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social
harms through research, public education, and advocacy.

12. Non-Discrimination: Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students based

on sex, race, ethnicity, or other factors that are not related to their scientific
competence and integrity.

13. Competence: Maintain and improve your own professional competence and
expertise through lifelong education and learning; take steps to promote
competence in science.

14. Legality: Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental
policies.
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, data collection plays a pivotal role in legal research methodology as it

forms the foundation for analysing and interpreting legal issues and principles. It ensures
the reliability, accuracy, and validity of the findings, which are critical for developing
well-informed legal arguments or conclusions. By employing systematic methods such
as primary and secondary data collection, researchers can gather relevant information
from legal statutes, case laws, precedents, treaties, or scholarly works. The choice
between qualitative and quantitative methods, or a mix of both, depends on the nature of
the legal inquiry and the objectives of the research.

Primary data, such as judgments, legislations, and interviews with legal professionals,
provides firsthand insights, while secondary data, such as books, journals, and
commentaries, offers interpretative analysis and perspectives. The meticulous
organization and synthesis of this data help legal researchers draw correlations, identify
gaps, and propose recommendations. Moreover, adherence to ethical standards during
data collection ensures that the process respects confidentiality, avoids plagiarism, and
maintains academic integrity.

Effective data collection not only facilitates the understanding of complex legal systems
but also supports the resolution of contemporary issues by bridging theory and practice.
In legal research, the quality of the data collected directly impacts the credibility and
utility of the research outcomes. Therefore, a structured and methodical approach to data
collection is indispensable, empowering researchers to contribute meaningfully to the
field of law while upholding the principles of justice and fairness.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Kabir, S. M. S. (2016). Methods of data collection. Basic Guidelines for

research: An Introductory Approach for All Disciplines (1st ed., pp. 201-275).

2. Kumar, R. (2018). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for

Beginners. SAGE Publications.

3. Kothari, L.R. (1985). Research Methodology, New Delhi: Vishwa Prakashan Lal

4. Das, D. K. (2000). Practice of Social Research: A Social Work Practice. New

Delhi: Rawat Publications.

5. Pandey, P., & Pandey, M. M. (2015). Research Methodology: Tools and

Techniques (Vol. 1). Romania: Bridge Centre.

6. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4178676

7. https://research-methodology.net/research-methods/data-collection/