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)
 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
 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.
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
natural contition
When the observation takes place in
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
disadvantages of observation
Method

Extensive Training is needed.

Limited information
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.
 Interview
Advantages of
Method
disadvantages of Interview
Method
 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
disadvantages of questionnaire
Method
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 Schedule is filled by the
mail and no further assistance enumerator or research
from sender. worker.
Q is cheaper method. Costly requires field
Non response is high. workers.
In questionnaire, it is not Non response is low.
confirmed that expected In schedule identity of
respondent have filled the person is known.
answers.
 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
Information can be
respondent is educated
and well cooperative. collected 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