This document discusses sources and methods of collecting primary data. It defines primary data as being collected specifically for the research purpose, while secondary data was previously collected by others. Primary data methods include surveys using questionnaires, observation both as participants and non-participants, and controlled experiments. Surveys can be done by telephone, in-person, mail, or email. Observation allows collecting data through human, mechanical, electrical or electronic means. Experiments apply treatments to controlled units to collect data in fields like sciences.

1. MD. Tarek Mahmud
Department of CSE
14th Batch
ID: 12008008

2. Data Collection
Sources of Data
&
Methods of Collecting Primary Data

3. Data
Data are individual pieces of factual information recorded and used for the
purpose of analysis. It is the main instrument of statistical investigation. We
may collect data ourselves or we may get it from available sources.

4. Data
Primary
Data
Secondary
Data

5. Primary Data
The Primary data are those which are collected afresh for the first time and
thus happen to be original in character.
• Collected or produced by researcher for specific purpose
• Comparatively expensive
• Time consuming procedure
• Provides first hand information
• Provides original data

6. Secondary Data
Secondary data is data which was already been collected by individuals or
agencies for purposes other than those of our particular research study.
• Economical and quick source of background information.
• Maybe outdated
• May not meet your specific needs
• The units of the measurement maybe different
• The design may not be known or maybe inappropriate

7. Methods of Primary Data Collection
1. Survey Methods
2. Observation Methods
3. Experimentation

8. Survey Methods
The survey method of obtaining information is based on the questioning of
respondents. In a survey methods, data are collected through a structured
questionnaire. Question should be designed in such a way that specific
information may come out from the respondents.
I. Telephone Interviews
II. Personal Methods
III. Mail Methods
IV. Data through Schedule
V. E-mail Interviews

9. Observation Methods
Observation is a primary method of collecting data by human, mechanical,
electrical or electronics means with direct or indirect contact.
i. Participant observation
ii. Non-participant observation

10. Experimentation
In natural sciences like physics, chemistry, applied chemistry and in biological
sciences like botany, zoology, biochemistry, biotechnology, genetic
engineering, microbiology, pharmacy data are obtained applying treatments
on experimental units in a controlled laboratory experiment. Some basic
experimental designs such as completely randomized design, randomized
block design and Latin square design are used to get a good experimental
dataset.