This document discusses four main methods for collecting primary data: observation, interviews, questionnaires, and schedules. It provides details on each method, including how to conduct them effectively and their advantages and disadvantages. The key methods covered are observation, where a researcher directly observes subjects without influencing them; interviews, where an interviewer asks subjects questions; questionnaires, where subjects are sent a list of questions to complete themselves; and schedules, similar to questionnaires but where an enumerator asks the questions in person and records the responses.

1. METHODS OF DATA
COLLECTION
Collection of Primary Data- Observation Method, Interview Method - Collection of
Data through Questionnaires - Collection of Data through Schedules
Dr. Basanta Adhikari, Oxford College of Engineering and Management, Head of Research
Department & International Relationship Coordinator, Nawalpur of Nepal

2. ➢It is the process by which the researcher collects
the information needed to answer the research
problem
➢The task of data collection begins after a research
problem has been defined and research design
chalked out.
➢Which data to collect?
What is Data Collection?

3. ➢How to collect the Data?
➢Who will collect the Data? ➢When
to collect the Data?
The selection of a method for collecting information
depends upon the :-
➢Resources available
In collecting the data,the researcher must decide:

4. ➢Credibility
➢Analysis and reporting
➢Resources
➢And the skill of the evaluator
➢Primary Data
Primary data are those which are collected for the first time and
are original in character.
Methods of Data Collection
Essentialy Two Types:

5. ➢Secondary Data
Secondary data are those which have already been collected by
someone else and which have through some statistical analysis.
Primary Data may be collected through:
➢ Experiments
➢ Surveys (sample surveys or census surveys)
Collection of Primary Data

6. ➢ Interviews
➢ Observation
➢ Questionnaires
➢ Schedules
Of the above, the important ones are:
1. Observation Method
2. Interview Method
Collection of Primary Data

7. 3. Questionnaires
4. Schedules
Observation method is a method under which data from the
field is collected with the help of observation by the observer or
by personally going to the field.
In the words of P.V Young
1.Observation Method

8. “Observation may be defined as systematic viewing,coupled
with consideration of seen phenomenon.”
Determine what needs to be observed
Select participants
Random/Selected
Conduct the observation
(venue, duration, recording materials, take photographs )
Steps For An Effective Observation

9. Compile data collected
Analyze and interpret data collected
When the observation is characterized by a careful definition
of the units to be observed, the style of recording the observed
information, standardized conditions of observation and the selection
of related data of observation.
Classification-1:-
➢Structured Observation

10. ➢Unstructured Observation
When it takes place without the above characteristics.
When the observer is member of the group which he is
observing then it is Participant Observation.
Classification-2:-
➢Participant Observation

11. ➢Non-Participant Observation
When observer is observing people without giving any
information to them then it is Non-Paricipant Observation.
When the observation takes place in natural contition i.e.,
uncontrolled observation. It is done to get spontaneous picture of
life and persons.
➢Controlled Observation
Classification-3 :-
➢Uncontrolled Observation

12. When observation takes place according to pre arranged plans,
with experimental procedure then it is controlled observation
generally done in laboratory under controlled condition.
➢Produces Large quantities of data.
➢All data obtained from observations are usable.
➢The observation technique can be stopped or begun at any time.
➢Relative Inexpensive
➢Interviewing selected subjects may provide more information,economically,
than waiting for the spontaneous occurance of the situation.
Advantages of Observation

13. ➢It is expensive method
➢Limited information.
➢Extensive Training is needed.
➢The Interview Method of collecting data involves presentation of oral-
verbal stimuli and reply in terms of oral- verbal responses.
➢Interviewer asks questions (which are aimed to get information
required for study) to respondent.
Prepare interview schedule
Disadvantages of observation2.Interview Method

14. Select subjects/ key Respondant
Conduct the interview
Analyze and interpret data collected from the interview
➢Structured Interviews :
In this case, a set of predecided questions are there.
➢Unstructured Interviews :
Steps For An Effective Interview

15. In this case, we don’t follow a system of pre-determined questions.
➢Focused Interviews :
Attention is focused on the given experience of the respondent and its
possible effects.
➢Clinical Interviews:
Concerned with broad underlying feelings or motivations or with
the course of an individual’s life experience.
➢Group Interviews:
Classifications:-Classifications:-

16. a group of 6 to 8 individuals is interviewed.
➢Qualitative and quantitative Interviews:
divided on the basis of subject matter i.e., whether
qualitative or quantitative.
➢Individual Interviews :
Interviewer meets a single person and interviews him.
➢Selection Interviews:
Classifications:-

17. Done for selection of people for certain Jobs.
➢More information at greater depth can be obtained
➢Resistance may be overcome by a skilled interviewer
➢Personal information can be obtained
➢Respondent bias
➢Time consuming ➢A Questionnaire is sent ( by post or by mail ) to the persons
concerned with a request to answer the questions and return the Questionnaire.
Advantages:-Disadvantages:-
➢It is an expensive Method
➢Interviewer bias
3. Questionnaires

18. ➢A Questionnaire consists of a number of questions printed in a
definite order on a form.
(Formulate & choose types of questions, order them, write instructions, make copies)
Select your respondents
Random/Selected
Administer the questionnaire
(date, venue, time)
Tabulate data collected
Steps For An Effective Questionnaire
Prepare questions

19. Analyze and interpret data collected
This gives the respondents the ability to respond in their own
words.
➢Close-ended or fixed alternative questions
This allows the respondents to choose one of the given
alternatives.
Types:- Dichotomous questions and Multiple Questions.
➢Should be short and simple
➢Follow a sequence of questions from easy to difficult one
Classifications:-
➢Open-ended questions

20. ➢Technical terms should be avoid
➢Should provide adequate space for answers in questionnaire
➢Directions regarding the filling of questionnaire should be given
Physical Appearance – Quality of paper, Color
➢Sequence must be clear
➢Low cost –even when the universe is large and is widespread
➢Free from interviewer bias
➢Responddents have adequate time to think through the answers.
Essentials of Good QuestionnaireAdvantages:-

21. ➢Respondents who are not easily approachable, can also be reached
conveniently.
➢Large samples can be used.
➢Time consuming
➢The respondents need to be educated and cooperative
➢This method is slow
➢Possibility of unclear replies
➢Very similar to Questionnaire method
Disadvantages:-

22. ➢The main difference is that a schedule is filled by the enumerator
who is specially appointed for the purpose.
➢Enumerator goes to the respondents, asks them the questions from
the Questionnaire in the order listed, and records the responses in
the space provided.
➢Enumerator must be trained in administering the schedule.
➢Q generally send to through mail
and no further assistance from
sender.
➢Q is cheaper method.
➢Non response is high
➢Incomplete and wrong
information is more.
4.Schedules

23. ➢Depends on the quality of
questionnaire
➢Schedule is filled by the
enumerator or research
worker.
➢Costly requires field
workers.
➢Non response is low
➢Depends on Honesty of
the enumerator.
➢Relatively more correct
and complete
Questionnaire Vs. Schedule
Questionnaire Schedule

24. THANK YOU FOR YOUR Co-OPERATION