Statistics collection of data

The Description of Collection of Data for Statistical Analysis

1. Collection of
Data

2. Introduction
Collection of Data is the process of gathering and measuring
information on targeted variables in an established systematic
fashion, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and
evaluate outcomes. Actually data collection is essential to
maintaining the integrity of research. Data constitute the
foundation of statistical analysis and interpretation. Hence the
first step in statistical work is to obtain data.

3. Sources of Data
Data can be obtained from three important sources-
(a) Secondary Data:- Secondary data is data
collected by someone other than the user.
(b) Internal Data:- Internal data is a kind of
information found within a company that can be
used to answer questions to inform decision-making.
(c) Primary Data:- Primary data are measurements
observed and recorded as part of an original study.
There are two basic methods of obtaining primary
data- Questioning and Observation.

4. Types of Questionnaire
There are two kinds of questionnaire- structured and unstructured for
statistical analysis. A questionnaire can be structured or unstructured as
can be seen from the following-
(1) Structure questionnaire is one in which the questions to
be asked and the response permitted are completely
predetermined.
(2) Unstructured questionnaire is a kind of questionnaire
which the questions to be asked are only loosely
predetermined and the respondent is free to respond in his
own words and in any way he sees fit.

5. Designing a Questionnaire
The success of the questionnaire method of collecting information depends
largely on the proper designing of the questionnaire. Designing questionnaire
is a highly specialised job and requires a great deal of skill and experience.
Usually, a questionnaire consists of a number of questions that the
respondent has to answer in a set format. While developing a questionnaire,
the researcher has to be very clear on the following issues:
(1) What information will be sought?
(2) What types of questionnaire will be required?
(3) How that questionnaire will be administered?
(4) What the content of the individual question will be?
(5) What the form of response of each question will be?
(6) How many questions will be used and how the individual
questions will be sequenced?
(7) Whether the questionnaire will be disguised or undisguised?
(8) Whether the questionnaire will be structured or unstructured?

6. Factors that Considers Designing a
Questionnaire
The following points may be kept in mind while designing a questionnaire-
(1) Covering letter.
(2) The number of questions should be as few as possible.
(3) Questions should be logically arranged.
(4) Questions should be short and simple.
(5) Questions of a sensitive nature should be avoided.
(6) Instructions to the informants.
(7) Footnotes.
(8) Questions should be capable of objective answers.
(9) Answer to question should not require calculations.
(10) Pre-testing the questionnaire.
(11) Cross-checks.
(12) Incentives to respondents.
(13) Method of tabulation to be used.

7. Thank You