METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION.

The task of data collection begins

after a research problem has been
defined and research design plan
has been made.
Two types of data:
1)Primary data
2)Secondary data

COLLECTION OF PRIMARY DATA.

There are several methods of

collecting primary data.
Important one are: 1.Observation Method
2.Interview Method
3.Through Questionnaires
4.Through Schedules

OBSERVATION METHOD

The observation method is most

commonly used method specially in
studies relating to behavioural sciences.
In a way we all observe things around us.
Under this the information sought by way
of investigators own direct observation
without asking from the respondents.

OBSERVATION METHOD
ADVANTAGES

Subjective bias is eliminated,if

observation is done accurately.
Information under this is
related to what is currently
happening,it is not complicated
by either the past behaviour or
future intentions or attitudes.
This method is independent of
respondents willingness to
respond & as such is relatively
less demanding of active
cooperation on the part of
respondents .
It is particularly suitable in
studies which deal with
subjects who are not capable of
giving verbal reports of their
feelings.

DISADVANTAGES

Expensive method.

Information provided by this

method is very limited.

Sometime unforseen factors may

interfere with the observational
task.

At times ,the fact that some

people are rarely accessible to
direct observation creates
obstacle for this method to collect
data effectively.

INTERVIEW METHOD
Interview method of collecting data
involves presentation of oral-verbal
stimuli & reply in same.
It can be used through: PERSONAL INTERVIEW
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Personal interview method requires a
person known as the interviewer asking
questions generally in a face-to-face
contact to the interviewee.

INTERVIEW METHOD
Advantages

More information& that

too in greater depth can
be obtained.
Flexibility to restructure
question is always there.
Personal information can
as well be obtained
easily under this
method.
Language of interview
can be adopted to the
ability of interviewee.

Disadvantages

Expensive method when

widely spread
geographical sample is
taken.
Personal bias of
interviewer as well as
that of respondent.
More time consuming.
Selecting ,training
&supervising the field
staff is required

Telephone interviews
Advantages
It is more flexible in
comparison to mailing
method.
Recall is easy ; callbacks
are simple and
economical.
Interviewer can explain
requirements more
easily.
No field staff is required.
Representative and
wider distribution of
sample is possible.

DISADVANTAGES
Surveys are restricted to
respondents who have
telephone facilities.
Extensive geographical
coverage may get
restricted by cost
considerations.
Possibility of the bias of
interviewer is relatively
more.
Questions have to be
short and to the point.

THROUGH QUESTIONNAIRES

This method of data collection is quite

popular, particularly in case of big
enquiries.
A questionnaire consists of a number of
questions printed in a definite order on
a form.
The questionnaire is mailed to
respondents who are expected to read &
understand the questions & write down
the reply in the space meant for the
purpose in the questionnaire itself.

QUESTIONNAIRES
ADANTAGES

Low cost even when the

universe is large &is
widely spread.
It is free from bias of
interviewer.
Respondents have
adequate time to give
well thought out answers.
Large samples can be
made use of & thus the
results can be made more
reliable.

DISADVANTAGES

Low rate of return of

the duly filled in
questionnaires.
Only educated
&cooperating
respondents can be
used.
No control over the
questionnaire once it is
sent.
This method is slowest
of all.

THROUGH SCHEDULES

This method is very much like the same

as questionnaire but difference is of
enumerator only.
These enumerators along with schedules
go to respondents put to them the
question from performa and record the
replies in the space meant for the same.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUESTIONNAIRE&SCHEDULES

1.Questionnaire is generally sent
through mail to informants to
be answered.
2.Data collection is cheap.
3.Non response is usually high
as many people do not
respond.
4.It is not clear that who replies.
5.The questionnaire method is
likely to be very slow since
many respondents do not
return the questionnaire.
6.No personal contact is possible
in case of questionnaire.

1.Schedules is generally filled by

the resarch worker or
enumerator, who can interpret
the questions when necessary.
2.Data collection is more expensive
as money is spent on
enumerators.
3.Non response is very low
because this is filled by
enumerators.
4.Identity of respondent is known.
5.Information is collected well in
time.
6.Direct personal contact is
established.

COLLECTION OF SECONDARY DATA

FOLLOWING CHARACTERSTICS OF DATA SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED BEFORE USING DATA:
1.
2.
3.

RELIABILITY OF DATA
SUITABILITY OF DATA
ADEQUACY OF DATA

CASE STUDY METHOD

o

CASE STUDY METHOD INVOLVES A CAREFUL AND

COMPLETE OBSERVATION OF A SOCIAL UNIT,BE THAT UNIT
A FAMILY,AN INSTITUTION OR A CULTURAL GROUP

IT PLACES MORE EMPHASIS ON THE FULL ANALYSIS OF A

LIMITED NO. OF EVENTS

IT IS AN INTENSIVE INVESTIGATION

THE MAIN OBJECT IS TO LOCATE THE FACTORS THAT

ACCOUNT FOR THE BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS OF THE
GIVEN UNIT

RESEARCHER CAN TAKE ONE SINGLE

SOCIAL UNIT OR MORE OF SUCH UNITS
FOR HIS STUDY PURPOSE
SELECTED UNIT IS STUDIED INTENSIVELY
APPORACH HAVING TO BE QUALITATIVELY
MUTUAL INTER-RELATIONSHIP IS KNOWN
BEHAVIOURAL PATTERN OF UNIT IS
STUDIED
FRUITFUL HYPOTHESE

ADVANTAGES

ENABLE US TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE

BEHAVIOUR PATTERN
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
FORMULATION OF RELEVANT HYPOTHESE
INTENSIVE STUDY OF SOCIAL UNIT
BENEFITIAL IN KNOWING NATURE OF UNITS
WITH NATURE OF UNIVERSE
ENHANCE EXPERIENCE
STUDY OF SOCIAL CHANGES

LIMITATION

CASE SITUATION ARE SELDOM

COMPARABLE
FALSE GERNALISATION
TIME CONSUMING
BASED ON SEVERAL ASSUMPTIONS
CAN BE USED ONLY IN A LIMITED SPHERE
RESPONSE OF INVESTIGATOR

QUERY
IF
ANY