Method of data

collection
D.A. Asir John Samuel, MPT (Neuro Paed),
Lecturer, Alva’s college of Physiotherapy,
Moodbidri

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

 Types of data

• Primary data

• Secondary data

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

 Primary Data collection methods

• Observation method

• Interview method

• Questionnaires

• Warranty cards

• Distributor or store audits

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

 Primary Data collection methods

• Consumer panels

• Use of mechanical devices

• Projective techniques

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

 Secondary data

• Reliability of data

• Suitability of data

• Adequacy of data

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

 Selection of appropriate method

• Nature, scope and object of enquiry

• Availability of funds

• Time factor

• Precision required

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

 Questionnaires
• Consists of no. of questions printed or typed
in definite order on a form or set of forms
• Respondents have to answer the questions on
their own
• Data is collected through mailing or
distributing the questionnaires
• Used in survey
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP
 3 main aspects

• General form

• Question sequence

• Question formulation and wording

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

 General form

• Structured/unstructured

• Closed (Y/N) or open (inviting free response)

• In pilot study unstructured then standardized

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

 Question sequence

• Clear and smoothly-moving

• Easiest question being put in beginning

• Avoid question that put too great strain on

memory, personal character, wealth, etc

• General to more specific

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

Question formulation and wording

• Short and Easily understood

• Simple and convey only one thought at a time

• Concrete

• Can be dichotomous, multiple choice or open-

ended

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

 Questionnaires - Merits
• Low cost even when sample size is large

• Free from bias of interviewer

• Respondent who are not easily approachable

can be reached conveniently

• More reliable

• Respondents have adequate time to answer

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP
 Questionnaires - Demerits

• Low rate of return of duly filled in

questionnaires

• Can be used only when respondents are

educated and cooperating

• There is inbuilt inflexibility

• Slowest of all
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP
 Questionnaires - Demerits

• Interpretation of omissions is difficult

• Control over the questionnaire may be lost

once it is sent

• Difficult to know whether willing respondents

are true representative

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

 Schedules

• Performa containing a set of questions are

being filled in by the enumerators

• Explain aims and objectives, removes

difficulties

• Should have capacity to cross-examine in

order to find out truth
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP
 Differences
Questionnaires Schedules
• Filled by respondents • Filled by enumerators

• Cheap • More expensive

• Non-response is high • Low non-response

• Not always clear • Clear

• Very slow • Comparatively faster

Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

 Differences
Questionnaires Schedules
• Personal contact not • Personal contact
possible possible
• Only literate and
• Even illiterate
cooperative
• Small sample coverage
• Wider sample coverage
• Information collected is
• Collecting incomplete
complete and accurate
and wrong information
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP