The document discusses various methods of data collection in research, distinguishing between primary and secondary data. Primary data is obtained firsthand through methods like observation, interviews, and questionnaires, while secondary data consists of pre-collected information. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, with the document highlighting aspects such as costs, biases, and the reliability of data sources.

1. Data Collection
The data which we have to collect for doing the
research work is called Data collection. While deciding about the
method of data collection to be used for the study, the researcher
should keep in mind two types of data:- one is Primary data and
other one is Secondary data
Primary data: The data are those which are collected a fresh and
for the first time, and thus happen to be original in character is
called Primary data.
Secondary data: The data are those which have already been
collected by someone else and which have already been passed
through the statistical process is called Secondary data.

2. Methods of collecting primary
data
1. Observational method
2. Interview method
3. Through questionnaires
4. Through Schedules
5. Other methods: a) Warranty cards
b) distributor audits c) Pantry audits
d) using mechanical devices
f) through projective techniques
g) depth interviews h) content analysis

3. 1.Observation Method
The Observation method is the most commonly
used method specially in studies relating to behavioral
sciences. Observation becomes a scientific tool for the
method of data collection for the researcher.
While using the observation method, the researcher
should keep in mind things like:
What should be observed?
How the observations should be recorded?
How the accuracy of observation can be ensured?

4. Types of Observational method
– Structured
– Unstructured observation.
– Participant
– Non-participant observation.
– Controlled
– Uncontrolled observation.

5. Structured observation: The observation is characterized by a careful
definition of the units to be observed, the style of recording for the observed
information, standardized conditions of observation and the selection of
pertinent (relevant) data of observation is called structured observation.
Unstructured observation: The observation is to take place without these
characteristics is called unstructured observation.
Participant observation: The observer observes by making himself is called
participant observation
Non-Participant observation: The observer observes with out making
himself is called non participant observation.
Controlled observation: The observation takes place according to definite
pre-arranges plans ,involving experimental procedures is called controlled
observation.
Uncontrolled : The observation takes place in the natural setting is called
uncontrolled observation

6. Advantages of Observational method :
• 1.The main advantage of this method is that subjective
bias is eliminated, if observation is done accurately.
• 2. The information obtained under this method relates to
what is currently happening.
• 3. This method is independent of the respondents.
Disadvantages of Observational method :
• 1. The observational method is very expensive method.
• 2. The information provided by this method is very
limited.
• 3. Sometimes unforeseen factors may interfere with the
observational task.

7. 2.Interview method
The interview method of collecting data involves
presentation of Oral-verbal stimuli and reply in terms of
Oral-verbal responses.
This method can be used through personal
interviews and, if possible through telephone interviews.
Personal interviews :
Personal interview method requires a person known as the
interviewer asking questions generally in a face-to-face
contact to the other person or persons.

8. Types of personal interviews
• Structured
• unstructured interviews.
• Focussed interviews .
• Clinical interviews.
• Non-directive interviews.

9. – Structured interview can follow a system of pre-
determined questions and standardized techniques of
recording the information.
– Unstructured interview do not follow a system of pre-
determined questions and standardized techniques of
recording the information.
– Focussed interview is meant to focus attention on the
given experience of the respondent and its effects is
focussed interview.
– Clinical interview is concerned with broad underlying
feeling or motivations or with the course of individual’s
life experience.
– The interviewer’s function is simply to encourage the
respondent to talk about the topic with a bare
(uncovered) minimum of direct questions is non-
directive interview.

10. Merits of interview method
• More information and the too in greater depth can be obtained.
• Interviewer by his own skill can overcome the resistance.
• There is a greater flexibility under this method.
• Personal information can as well be obtained easily under this
method.
• Samples can be controlled more effectively.
Demerits of interview method
• It is very expensive method.
• Interviewing at times may also introduce systematic errors.
• This method is relatively more-time-consuming, specially when the
sample is large .
• Certain types of respondents such as important officials or
executives or people in high income groups may not be easily
approachable under this method.

11. Telephone interviews :
This method of collecting information
consists in contacting respondents on
telephone itself only. It is not a very widely
used method, but plays important part in
industrial surveys particularly in
developed regions.

12. • Merits for telephone interviews:
• It is more flexible in comparison to mailing
method.
• It is faster than other methods.
• It is cheaper than personal interviewing method.
• Recall is easy.
• No field staff is required.
• Representative and wider distribution of sample
is possible.
• interviewer can explain requirements more
easily.

13. Demits:
• Little time is given to respondents for considered
answers.
• Interview period is not likely to exceed five
minutes in most cases.
• Surveys are restricted to respondents who have
telephone facilities.
• Possibility of the bias of the interviewer is
relatively more.
• Questions have to be short and to the point.

14. Collection of data through
Questionnaires
• This method of data collection is quite
popular, particularly in case of big enquiries. It is
being adopted by private individuals, research
workers, private and public organizations and
even by governments. In this method a
questionnaire is sent to the persons concerned
with a request to answer the questions and
return the questionnaire.

15. Collection of data through
schedules
• This method of data collection is very
much like the collection of the data
through questionnaire, with little difference
which lies in the fact that schedules are
being filled in by the enumerators who are
specially appointed for the purpose.

16. Difference between
Questionnaires and Schedules :
Questionnaires Schedules
The questionnaire is generally sent through mail
to informants to be answered as specified
in a covering letter.
The schedule is generally filled out by the
research worker or the enumerator
To collect data through questionnaire is relatively
cheap
To collect data through Schedules is relatively
more expensive
Non- response is usually high in case of
questionnaire as many people
Non- response is generally very low in case of
Schedules
In case of Questionnaire, it is not always clear s
to who replies
In case of Schedules the identity of respondent is
known
The questionnaire method is likely to be very slow
since many respondents do not return the
questionnaire in time despite several
reminders
The Schedules of information is collected well in
time as they are filled in by enumerators

17. Some other methods of Data
Collection
Warranty cards: Warranty cards are usually postal sized cards which are used by dealers of
consumer durables to collect information regarding their products. The information sought is
printed in the form of questions on the Warranty cards which is placed inside the package along
with the product with a request to the consumer to fill in the cards and post it back to the dealer.
Distributor or Store audits : Distributor or store audits are performed by distributors as well as
manufactures through their salesman at regular intervals. (Manufacturer-distributor-salesman)
Pantry audits: Pantry audit technique is used to estimate consumption of the basket of goods at the
consumer level.
Consumer panels: An extension of the pantry audit approach on a regular basis is known as
consumer panel.
Use of mechanical devices : The use of mechanical devices has been widely made to collect
information by way of indirect means.
Projective technique: projective techniques for the collection of data have been developed by
psychologists to use projections of respondents for inferring about underlying motives, urges, or
intentions which are such that the respondent either resists to reveal them or is unable to figure
out himself.
Depth interview: Depth interviews are those interviews that are designed to discover underlying
motives and desires and are often used in motivational research.
Content-analysis: content-analysis consists of analyzing the contents of documentary materials such
as books, magazines, newspapers and the contents of all other verbal materials which can be
either spoken or printed.

18. Methods of collecting Secondary
data
Secondary data means data that have already been collected and analyzed
by some one else. When the researcher utilizes secondary data, then he
has to look into various sources from where he can obtain them.
While collecting secondary data we should maintain some cautions:
1. Reliability of data 2. Suitability of data 3. Adequacy of data.
Reliability of data : The reliability can be tested by finding out such things
about the said data: (a) Who collected the data? (b) What were the sources
of data? ( c) Were they collected by using proper methods (d) At what time
were they collected? (e) Was there any bias of the compiler? (t) What level
of accuracy was desired/? Was it achieved?
Suitability of data : The data that are suitable for one enquiry may not
necessarily be found suitable in another enquiry. Hence, if the available
data are found to be unsuitable, they should not be used by the researcher.
Adequacy of data : If the level of accuracy achieved in data is found
inadequate for the purpose of the present enquiry, they will be considered
as inadequate and should not be used by the researcher.