Collection of Primary Data involves collecting data directly from its original source using various methods. These methods include personal interviews, questionnaires/schedules, and telephonic interviews. Personal interviews can be direct, where the investigator contacts respondents directly, or indirect, where information is obtained from witnesses rather than respondents. Questionnaires/schedules are often used to collect primary data through mail or enumerators who approach respondents. Telephonic interviews allow investigators to collect desired information by phone.

1. Collection of Primary Data
When basic data is to be collected from its primary source, how do we do it? It
involves the study of a set of statistical methods or statistical techniques. The
following are some of the well known methods of collecting Primary data:
(A) Personal Interviews:
(1) Direct Personal Investigation
(2) Indirect Oral Investigation
(3) Information
(B) Information through Questionnaires and Schedules:
(1) Mailing (Questionnaire) surveys
(2) Enumerator’s method
(C) Telephonic Interviews

2. Personal Interviews
(1) Direct Personal Investigation
The direct personal investigation is the method by which data are personally
collected by the investigator from the respondents . In other words, the
investigator establishes direct relation with the persons from whom the
information is to be obtained.
Direct contact with the workers of an industry to obtain information about
their economic conditions is an example of this method.
(2) Indirect Oral Investigation
Indirect Oral Investigation is the method by which information is obtained
not from the persons regarding whom the information is needed. It is
collected orally from other persons who are expected to possess the
necessary information. The other persons are known as witnesses.

3. For example, by this method, the data on the economic conditions of the workers
may be collected from their employers rather than the workers themselves.
• Difference between Direct Personal Investigation and Indirect Oral
Investigation
(i) In the case of direct personal investigation, the investigator establishes direct
contact with the respondents. On the other hand, in the case of indirect oral
investigation, information is obtained by contacting other than those abot whom
information is sought.
(ii) Direct Personal investigation is generally possible when the field of investigation
is small. On the other hand, indirect oral investigation is generally preferred
when the field of investigation is relatively large.
(iii) In the Direct Personal investigation, the investigator must be well versed in the
language and cultural habits of the respondents. There is no such requirement in
the case of Indirect Oral Investigation.
(iv) Direct Investigation is relatively costlier than the indirect investigation.

4. (3) Information from Local Sources or Correspondents
Under this method, the investigator appoints local persons or correspondents at different places. They
collect information in their own way and furnish the same to the investigator.
(B) Information through Questionnaires and Schedules
Under this method, the investigator prepares a questionnaire keeping in view the object of enquiry.
The methods of collecting information on the basis of questionnaire are:
(1) Mailing (Questionnaire) Surveys
Under this method, questionnaires are mailed to the respondents. A letter is attached with the
questionnaire giving the purpose of enquiry. It is also assured that the information would be kept
secret.
(2) Enumerator’s Method
Under this method, a questionnaire is prepared according to the purpose of enquiry. The Enumerator
himself approaches the respondent with the questionnaire. The questionnaires which are filled by the
enumerators themselves by putting questions are called Schedules. Enumerators are those persons who
help the investigators in collecting the data. The enumerators are given training to fill the schedules and
put the questions intelligently to obtain accurate information.
(C) Telephonic Interviews
According to this mode of data collection, the investigator seeks the desired information
from the respondents over the telephone

5. An Ideal Questionnaire
Objective of this questionnaire is to know about the reviews of customers for our Lakme
products. You are requested to fill in this questionnaire, information furnished in this will be
kept strictly confidential.
1) Customer’s name :-
2) Mobile no. :-
3) Address :-
4) Occupation :-
5) Which product do you like the most of our brand?
6) Is or product suitable for your skin?
7) How is quality of our products?
poor Average Better
8) From where you got to know about our brand?
9) Would you want to give us some instructions
10) How many stars will you give to our brand?

6. Questions
Q.1 Define primary data.
Answer: Primary data is the collection of data collected by the investigator for his own
purpose for the first time. These are collected from the source of origin.
Q.2 Data obtained by conducting a survey is called?
Answer: Primary Data
Q.3 A schedule is generally filled by whom?
Answer: Researcher
Q.4 The primary data is much more reliable than secondary data because it is directly collected
from respondents? State true or false.
Answer: True
Q.5 Indirect Oral Investigation lacks accuracy?
Answer: True

7. Q.6 Which method should be used to collect data when data is sensitive?
Answer: Telephonic conversation
Q.7 An investigator can take help of trained professional to collect which data?
Answer: Primary data
Q.8 Schedules are filled by whom?
Answer: Enumerator
Q.9 What is the merit of a good questionnaire?
Answer: Less number of questions.
Q.10 Differentiate between schedule and questionnaire.
Answer: Series of questions prepared with reference to the investigation is known
as questionnaire whereas questionnaire filled by enumerator himself by asking the
respondents is called a schedule.