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1. COLLdsfd ddECOdfsd fdsfNfdfd fdf Odf dfsddsfd F DTdfsdA Methods of Collecting Primary Data Primary data can be collected by anyone or ore of the following methods: Direct Personal Observation. Under this method, the investigator presents himself personally before the informant and obtains a first hand iormation . This method is most suitable when the field of enquiry is small and a greater degree of accuracy is required. Merits The first hand information obtained by the investigator is bound to be more reliable and accurate since the invstigator can extract the correct information by removing doubts, if any, in the minds of the respondents regarding certain questions. High response rate since the answers to various questions are obtained on the spot. It permits explanation of questions concerning difficult subject matter. Demerits This method is suitable only for intensive studies and not for extensive enquiries. (ii) This method is time-consuming and the investigation may have to be spanned over a long period.

2. (b) Telephoneurvey . Under this method, the investigator, instead of presenting himself before the informants, contacts them on telephone and collects information from them. Merits The method is more convenient than personal interview. This method is less ticonsuming and can be applied even to extensive fields of enquiries. Telephone survey has all the other merits of personal interview. Limitations This method excludesose who do not have a telephone as also those who have unlisted telephones. This method is also subjective in nature and personal bias, whim and prejudices of the investigator may adversely affect the results of the enquiry.

3. (c) Indirect Psonal Interview. Under this meod , instead of directly approaching the informants, the investigator interviews several third persons who are directly or indirectly concerned with the subject matter of the enquiry and who are in possession of the requisite information. Mer This methois less costly and less time-consuming than the direct personal investigation. Under this method, the enquiry can be formulated and conducted more effectively and efficiently as it is possible to obtain the views and suggestions of the experts on the given problem. Limitations The success of this method depends upon: ( i ) The representative character of the witnesses. The personal knowledge of the witnesses about the subject matter of enquiry The personal prejudices of the witnesses as regards definiteness in stating what is wanted The ability of the interviewer to extract information from the witnesses by asking appropriate questions and cross-questions

4. (d) Information ived Through Local Agents. Under this method, the information is not collected formally by the investigator, but local agents, commonly known as correspondents, are appointed in different parts of the area under investigation. ese agents collect information in their areas and transmit the same to the investigator. They apply their own judgement as to the best method of obtaining information. Merits This method is vercheap and economical for extensive investigations. The required information can be obtained expeditiously since only rough estimates are required. Limitations Since the correspondents apply their own judgement about the method of collecting the information, the results are often vitiated due to personal prejudices and whims of the correspondents. The data so obtained is thus not so reliable. This method is suitable only if the purpose of investigation is to obtain rough and approximate estimates. It is unsuited where a high degree of accuracy is desired.

5. (e) Mailed Questionnaire hod. Under this method, the investigator prepares a questionnaire containing a number of questions pertaining to the field of enquiry. These questionnaires are sent by post to the informants together with a polite covering letter explaining in detail the aims and objectives of collecting the information, and requesting the respondents to cooperate by furnishing the correct replies and retung the questionnaire duly filled in. In order to ensure quick response, the return postage expenses are usually borne by the investigator. Merits By this method, a large field of investigation may be covered at a very low cost. In fact, this is the most economical method in terms of time, money and manpower. Errors due to personal bias of the investigators or enumerators are completely eliminated as the information is supplied by the person concerned in his own handwriting. Limitations ( i ) This method can be used only if the respondents are educated and can understand the questions well, and reply in their own handwriting.

6. (f) Questionnaire Sent Through Enumerators. Under this method, instead of sending the questionnaire through post, the investigator appoints agents known as enumerators, who go to the respondents personally with the questionnaire, ask them the questions given thein, and record their replies. This method is generally used by business houses, large public enterprises and research institutions. Merits The information collected through this method is more reliable as the enumerators can explain in detailthe objectives and aims of the enquiry to the respondents and win their cooperation. Since the enumerators personally call on the respondents, there is very little non-response. This technique can be used with advantage even if the respondents are illiterate. The enumerators can ectively check the accuracy of the information supplied through some intelligent cross-questioning by asking supplementary questions. Limitations The method is more expensive and can be used by financially strong bodies or institutions only. It is more time-consuming than the mailed questionnaire method. The success of the method depends upon the skill and efficiency of the enumerators to collect the information as also on the efficiency and wisdom with which the questionnaire is drafted.

7. (g) Survey Method A Survey is defined as a research method used for collection of data from a pre defined group of respondents to gain information and perceptions on various topics of interest. Surveys have a variety of purposes and can be carried out in many ways depending on the methodology selected and the objectives to be achieved. The data from the survey method is generally obtained through the use of standardized procedures with an objective to ensure that each respondent must answer the questions to avoid biased opinions that could affect the outcome of the research or study. Methods of Survey Surveys can be conducted using SMS services which is considered as the fast method to collect feedback. This method is specifically used for collecting quick responses when the survey is simple and straightforward and not too long. Basically, this method is used to collect feedbacks. The survey can also be conducted as a telephone survey and then making a selection of respondents for a face-to-face interview. Survey data are sometimes also obtained through questionnaires fild out by respondents in groups, as a panel or an online community. There are various factors that are responsible for the rate of response in a survey method, namely the cost, research study type, flexibility of questions, time to collect responses, statistical analysis to be run on data and willingness of the respondent to take part in the survey

8. Secondary Data When an investigator uses the data which has already been collected by others, such data is called secondary data. This data is primary data for the agency that collected it and becomes secondary data for someone else who uses this data for his own purposes. The secondary data can be obtained from journals, reports, government publications, publications of professional and research organizations, and so on. For example, if a researcher desires to analyse the weather conditions of different regions, he can get the required information or data from the records of the meteorology department. Even though secondary data is less expensive to collect in terms of money and time, the quality of this data may even be better under certain situations because it may have been collected by persons who were specifically trained for that purpose. However, such secondary data must be used with the utmost care. The reason is that such data may be full of errors due to the fact that the purpose of the collection of data by the primary agency may have been different than that of the user of the secondary data.

9. Sources and Methods of Collecting Secondary Data The chief sources of secondary data may be broadly classified into the following two groups: (a) Published sources (b) Unpublished sources Published Sources: There are a number of national organizations and international agencies which collect and publish statistical data relating to business, trade, labour , price, consumption, production, etc. These publications are useful sources of secondary data. Some of these published sources are as follows: 1. Official publications of the Central and State Governments such as monthly abstract of statistics, national income statistics and vital statistics of India. 2. Publications of semi-government organizations, e.g., the Reserve Bank of India bulletin. 3. Publications of research institutions, e.g., the publications of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (I.C.A.R.), New Delhi. 4. Publications of commercial and financial institutions, e.g., the publications of the F.I.C.C.I. 5. Reports of various committees and commissions appointed by the government, such as the Wanchoo Commission Report on Taxation. (b) Unpublished Sources: The records maintained by private firms or business houses which may not like to release their data to any outside agency; the research carried out by the research scholars in the universities or research institutes may also provide useful statistical data.