Methods of data collection

Presentation will give the detailed idea of the methods of data collection

1. METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION : Chintan H.Trivedi M.Tech Industrial 1 st Sem RCOEM.

2. Data Collection? Need for Data Collection Factors to be considered for data collection Sources of Data Primary Data and Collection Methods Popular methods of Data Collection Questionnaire Secondary Sources & Collection Methods Differences between Primary & Secondary sources Seminar Overview

3. Data Collection? Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, in an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions and evaluate outcomes The data collection component of research is common to all fields of study including physical and social sciences, humanities, business, etc. The goal for all data collection is to capture quality evidence so as to translate into rich data analysis

4. Need of Data Collection To get information for analysis. To get idea about real time situation. For comparison between two situation.

5. Factors to be considered before collection of Data Scope of the enquiry. Sources of information. Quantitative expression. Techniques of data collection. Unit of collection.

6. Sources of Data

7. Internal and External Source of Data Internal Sources of Data Many institutions and departments have information about their regular functions, for their own internal purpose. When those information is used in any survey, it’s called Internal Source Of Collection of Data. E.g.., Railway Educational Institutes & Social Welfare Societies etc.

8. External Sources of Data Internal and External Source of Data When information is collected form outside agencies, it is called external source of data. Such type of data are either Primary or Secondary. This type of information can be collected by Census or Sampling method by conducting surveys.

9. Primary Data Primary data are those which are collected for the first time. It is real time data which are collected by the researcher himself. This is the process of Collecting and making use of the data. This Data originated by the researcher specifically to address the research problem.

10. Primary Research Methods Focus Groups – bring together respondents with common characteristics Observation - actually view respondents Non-personal survey – on site, telephone, mail, fax, computer, panel Personal interview - one-on-one survey with respondents Official records – internal document survey research

11. Method of Collecting Primary Data 1. Direct personal Investigation ( i.e. Interview Method) Under this method the investigator collects the data personally. He approaches the objects, conducts the enquiry on the spot, collects information. For the successful collection of data under this method, it’s necessary that the investigator should be polite, unbiased and aware of the local conditions, environment and languages.

12. Method of Collecting Primary Data 2. Indirect oral investigation ( i.e. through enumerators) Under this the investigator doesn’t collects the information directly, instead he gets them indirectly through those persons who know the information and who are ready to part away with the information they posses. This method is used in case where direct contact is not possible. 3. Investigation through Local reporters Questionnaire In this method data are not collected through specially appointed agents/ correspondents/investigators/enumerators but local agents or correspondents are requested to collect the information. They collect the information in their own fashion and according to their liking’s and disliking.

13. Method of Collecting Primary Data 4. Investigation through mailed Questionnaire Under this method the investigator may either appoint local agents/ investigators/ enumerators and mail them the questionnaire for collecting information or collecting by his own using mail or telephone.

14. Method of Collecting Primary Data 5. Investigation through Observation In this watching behaviour of object and most commonly used method in behavioural science. One major problem in this method is that Natural response is not obtained when respondent know he is observed. Type of Observation- 1)Participant Observation 2)Non-Participant Observation 3)Disguised Observation 4)Controlled Observation 5)Uncontrolled Observation

15. Popular data collection methods Mailing paper questionnaires to respondents, who fill them out and mail them back Having interviewers call to respondents on the telephone and ask them the question in a telephone interview Sending the interviewers to the respondent ’ s home or office to administer the questions in face-to-face (FTF) interviews

16. Important characteristics of good questionnaires Plan a user-friendly format Gather demographic data – age, gender, etc., when necessary. Avoid ambiguity Ensure ease of tabulation Develop for completeness – get all the data

17. Secondary Data Secondary data are those that have already been collected by others. These are usually in journals, periodicals, research publications, official records etc. Secondary data may be available in the published or unpublished form. When it is not possible to collect the data by primary method, the investigator go for Secondary method.

18. Method of Collecting Secondary Data 1. Published Sources a) International Publication UNO publishes a number of journals and periodicals which are best sources of secondary data for national as well as international facts. b) Government Publications The Govt. of India as well as other state Govt. publish data for their use as well as for the use of researcher and others. These data are very much accurate and reliable for various types of investigations. c) Publication Municipal corporations, boards, etc. publish data pertaining to birth rate, death rate, literacy, etc. These can be effectively put to use by investigators. d) Commercials Research, Educational Institute, Unions, Organizations These institutions also conduct enquiry and publish their reports through which data can be had for use of investigators enquiring on the related subjects.

19. Method of Collecting Secondary Data 2. Unpublished Sources In some of the cases, enquiry are conducted, data are classified and analysed but due to some reasons or other findings are not published though they are preserved either by the individual or a society. They can also be used by the investigators as Secondary Data.

20. Sources of Primary & Secondary data Primary Data Sources Secondary Data Sources Data and Original Research Diaries and Journals Speeches and Interviews Autobiographies and Memoirs Government Documents Encyclopaedias Chronologies Biographies Monographs (a specialized book or article) Abstracts of articles

21. Difference between Primary and Secondary Data PRIMARY DATA SECONDARY DATA Real time data. Sure about sources of data. Costly and Time consuming process. Avoid biasness of response data. More flexible. Past data. Not sure about sources of data. Cheap and No time consuming process Can not know if data biasness or not. Less Flexible.

22. Data Storage Methods Database programs ( e.g , Microsoft Access, Oracle, SQL Server) Advantages : Information is stored as a complete record. You can easily query the data and create new variables or data subsets. In many applications, you can create a user interface for entering the data. Disadvantages : Requires time and technical skill to initially design the database and to set up variables correctly

23. Spreadsheet programs (e.g., Microsoft Excel) Advantages : Easy to structure spreadsheets for input. Simple view of the data. Disadvantages : Data types are not explicitly defined. Data are not stored as a record. Manipulation of data (for analyses, etc.) can be error-prone and time consuming with no record of changes Data Storage Methods

24. Statistical programs with database options (e.g., SPSS, SAS) Advantages : Data entry and analysis are completed in the same software . Similar to database programs, you can easily query the data and create new variables or data subsets. Disadvantages : Spreadsheet/database options for statistical applications vary widely. The most powerful tools can be very time consuming to learn and require advanced knowledge. Data Storage Methods

25. Key Points Remember: Each method of data collection has its use and none is superior in all situations Desirable: Selection of method depends on the nature of a particular problem in consideration of time and resources. Required: Experience and ability of the researcher.

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