This document discusses various primary methods of data collection, including observation, interviews, and questionnaires. Observation can be participant or non-participant and is useful for studying interactions and behaviors. Interviews can be structured with predetermined questions or unstructured with open-ended questions. Questionnaires are written lists of questions that respondents self-administer and provide anonymity but have lower response rates.

1. Methods of Data
Collection
SUBMITTED BY:- JAYASANKAR JAYASOMAN
PROV/LLM/7-19/031
ROLL NO. 31

2. Methods of Data Collection
Primary Sources
Observation
Participant
Non-
Participant
Interviewing
Structured Unstructured
Questionnaire
Mailed
Questionnaire
Collective
Questionnaire

3. Observation
Observation is purposeful, systematic and selective way of
watching and listening to an interaction or phenomenon as it
takes place.
There are some researches where observation is the most
appropriate method of data collection.
Example: When you want to study the interaction in the group,
ascertain the functions performed by a worker, Study of
behaviour or personality traits of an individual.

4. Types of Observation
Observation
Participant
Observation
Non Participant
Observation

5. Participant observation
When the researcher, participate in the activities of the group being
observed in the same manner as its members, with or without their
knowing that they are being observed.
Example: If you want to study the life of prisoners and pretend to be
a prisoner in order to do this.

6. Non Participant Observer
When you as researcher, do not get involved in the activities
of the group but remains a passive observer, watching and
listening to its activities and drawing conclusions from this.
Example: You may want to study the functions carried out by
a security personal and duty hours put by them. After
making number of observations conclusion can be drawn.

7. Interview
Interview
Structured Unstructured

8. Unstructured Interview
There is complete freedom they provide in terms of content
and structure.
Questions can be posed in any order.
There is complete freedom to use word and expressions.
Questions can be raised even on the spur of the moment.
Unstructured in depth interview can be conducted to know
the person better or his perspective. [Example research to
write biography]

9. Structured Interview
The researcher asks predetermined set of questions.
Questions are posed using the same wordings and following
the same order.
Interview schedule is a written list of questions, open ended
or closed ended
Structured interview needs fewer interview skills than
unstructured interview.

10. Questionnaire
It is a written list of questions, answers to which are recorded by the
respondents.
Layout of the questionnaire should be such that it is easy to read,
pleasing to eyes and easy to follow.
It should be developed in interactive style.
Advantages: Less expensive and provides anonymity.
Disadvantage: When questionnaire is administered there is no one to
explain the meaning of the questions if the respondent has not
understood.
Response rate is low.
Researcher does not get spontaneous responses. The respondent
gets opportunity to consult others.