The document presents an overview of primary and secondary data collection methods essential for research, emphasizing the significance of accurate and valid data. It discusses the merits and demerits of both primary data—collected firsthand—and secondary data—previously accumulated by others. The importance of using high-quality data in pharmaceutical companies is highlighted, alongside recommendations for managing the disadvantages associated with secondary data.

1. A PRESENTATION
ON
COLLECTION OF PRIMARY
AND SECONDARY DATA
By: Harikesh Maurya
Department of Pharmacy
K.U. Nainital (UK)

2. INTRODUCTION
Data can be defined as the quantitative or qualitative
values of a variable (e.g. numbers, images, words,
figures, facts or ideas.).
It is the lowest unit of information from which other
measurements and analysis can be done.
Data is one of the most important and vital aspect of
any research study.

3. NEED OF DATA COLLECTION
To get information for analysis
To get idea about real time situation
For comparison between two situations

4. SOURCES OF DATA
Internal
Sources
External
Sources
Primary Data
Secondary Data

5. PRIMARY DATA
Data
that
has
been
collected
from
first-hand-
experience is known as primary data. It has more
reliable, authentic & not been published any where.
Primary data has not been changed or altered by
human beings, therefore its validity is greater than
secondary data.

6. METHODS FOR COLLECTION OF
PRIMARY DATA
A. Observation Method
B. Indirect Oral Interviews
C. Questionnaire Method
D. Survey Method
E. Experimentation
F. Case Study

7. A.DIRECT PERSONAL OBSERVATION
STRUCTURED
Observation
UNSTRUCTURED
PARTICIPATIVE
NON-PARTICIPATIVE

8. B.INDIRECT ORAL INTERVIEW
Standardized interviews
a. Structured
b. Unstructured
Non-standardized interviews
a. One to one
 Face to face
 Telephonic
 Internet
b. One to many (focus group)

9. C.QUESTIONNAIRE METHOD
Questionnaire:
A
questionnaire
is
a
research
instrument consisting of a series of question for the
purpose of gathering information from respondent.
Self administered
Interviewer-administered
Telephone
Computer Assisted
Postal or mail

10. D.SURVEY METHOD
SURVEY: A detailed study of geographical area to gather
data opinions, satisfaction level etc., by polling a section
of the population.
TYPES OF SURVEY
 CENSUS SURVEY
 REGULAR SURVEY
 AD-HOC SURVEY

11. EXPERIMENTATION & CASE STUDY
Experimentation:
Examination of medicine
on rodents give accurate
and preside primary data
Case study: The best example of collecting primary
data through case study is…
Pharmacovigilance

12. MERIT & DEMERIT OF PRIMARY DATA
MERITS: The advantages of primary data are;
 Targeted Issues are addressed
 Data interpretation is better
 High accuracy of Data
 Addresses Specific Research Issues
 Greater Control
DEMERITS: Elevated cost, Time consuming, More number
of resources is required, Inaccurate feed-backs and
Requires a lot of skill with labour.

13. SECONDARY DATA
Secondary data are those that have already been
exists and formerly collected by some persons,
organizations, institution etc.
It is usually refined of the raw materials which passed
through statistical process, may be available in
published form.
Any research starts with review of secondary data.

14. SOURCE OF SECONDADRY DATA
• Published printed source
 Books
 Journals/periodicals
 Magazines/Newspapers
• Published Electronic Sources
 e-journals
 General websites
 Weblogs
• Unpublished Personal Records
 Diaries
 Letters
Cont….

15. SOURCE OF SECONDADRY DATA
• Government Records
 Census Data/population statistics
 Health records
 Educational institutes records
• Public Sector Records
 NGO's survey data
 Other private companies records

16. MERIT & DEMERIT OF SECONDARY DATA
 MERITS:
Quick and cheap source of data
Wider geographical area
Longer orientation period
Leading to find primary data
 DEMERITS:
Not fulfill our specific research need
Poor accuracy
Data are not up-to-date
Poor accessibility in some cases

18. Mission of Pharmaceutical Companies
To improve the quality of life for patients around the
world, through the manufacturing and distribution of
trusted and branded pharmaceuticals in all the
therapeutic segments. By developing high-quality of
Pharmaceuticals specially designed for the ailing
community in the countries considerably
affordable price.
at an

19. RECOMMENDATION & CONCLUSION
I will recommend that Pharma company should prefer
to use data which is accurate, high quality, current
and advanced. Search for secondary data should be
as such which reduce need of primary research.
It is important for the Pharma company to identify,
reduce and manage the disadvantages that are
accompanied by use of secondary data.

20. REFRENCES
 Kothari CR, “Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques
”, New Age Publication
 Bryman, A. and E. Bell: 2003, Business Research Methods
(Oxford University Press, Oxford, New York).
 Dillman, Don A. Mail and Telephone Surveys: The Total
Design Method. New York, John Wiley and Sons, 1978.
 Galpin, T. The Use of Mail Questionnaires as a Method of Data
Collection. (Sept, 1987)