This document discusses data collection in economics. It defines data collection as the process of preparing and systematically gathering data from various sources. The objectives of the document are to understand the need for data collection, factors to consider, how to classify and collect data, and the differences between primary and secondary data. Primary data refers to raw data collected directly from first-hand sources like surveys. Secondary data is collected indirectly from past published sources like government publications. The document outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and different methods for collecting primary data.

1. ECONOMICS (statistics)
Dr Rekha Choudhary
Department of Economics
Jai NarainVyas University,Jodhpur
Rajasthan

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1.0 Introduction
 Data collection is a term used to describe a
process of preparing and collecting data,
 Systemic gathering of data for various sources,
that has been systematically observed, recorded,
organized.
 Data are the basic inputs to any decision making
process in business.

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1.1 Objectives
After going through this unit, you will be able to:
 Need of Data collection;
 Factors to be considered for Data collection;
 Classification of Data;
 Describe the method of Data Collection;
 Merits and Demerits of Primary Data Secondary Data ; and
 Difference between Primary and Secondary Data.

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1.2 Need of Data Collection
Why is Data Collection needed ?
• To get information for analysis
• To get idea about real time situation.
• For comparison between two situation

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1.3 Classification of Data
Primary Data
Secondary Data
TYPES

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1.4 Meaning of Primary Data
1.4.2 Primary Research Methods
• Focus Groups
• Observation
• Experiment
1.4.3 Method of Collecting Primary Data
1. Direct personal Investigation
2. Indirect oral investigation
3. Investigation through local reporters Questionnaire
4. Investigation through mailed Questionnaire
5. Investigation through Observation
• Non-personal survey
• Personal Interview
• Official Records
1.4.1 Primary Data
Raw data or primary data is a term for data collected at source. This type of information
is obtained directly from first hand sources by means of surveys, observations and
experimentation and not subjected to any processing or manipulation and also called
primary data.
For example: Interviewing People of your organization.

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1.4.4 Advantages and Disadvantages of
Primary Data
Primary Data
Advantages → Disadvantages →
• Subjective bias is eliminated • Expensive methodology
• Data is not affected by past behaviour
or future intentions
• Information provided is limited
• Natural behaviour of the group can be
recorded
• Unforeseen factors may interfere with
the observational task
• Addresses specific research issues • Time Consuming

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1.5 Meaning of Secondary Data
A researcher can obtain secondary data from various sources. Secondary data may either be
published data or unpublished data. It refers to the data collected by someone other than the
user i.e. the data is already available and analysed by someone else. Common sources of
secondary data include various published or unpublished data, books, magazines,
newspaper, trade journals etc.
For Example: Publications of government b. technical and trade journals c. reports of
various businesses, banks etc. d. public records statistical or historical documents.
1.5.1 Secondary Data
1.5.2 Methods of Collecting Secondary Data
1. Published Sources
 International Publication
 Government Publications
 Publications
 Commercials Research, Education institute, Unions, Organizations
2. Unpublished Sources

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1.5.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of
Secondary Data
Secondary Data
Advantages → Disadvantages →
• Ease of Access • Quality of research
• Low cost to acquire • Not specific to researcher’s needs
• Clarification of Research question • Not timely

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1.6 Difference between Primary Data and
Secondary Data
Basis for Comparison Primary Data Secondary Data
Meaning
Primary data refers to the first
hand data gathered by the
researcher himself.
Secondary data means data
collected by someone else
earlier.
Data Real time data Past data
Process Very involved Quick and easy
Source
Surveys, observations,
experiments, questionnaire,
personal interview, etc.
Government publications,
websites, books, journal
articles, internal records etc.
Cost effectiveness Expensive Economical
Collection time Long Short
Specific
Always specific to the
researcher's needs.
May or may not be specific to
the researcher's need.
Available in Crude form Refined form
Accuracy and Reliability More Relatively less

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1.7 Data Collection Flow
Data
Sources
Primary
data source
Secondary
data source
Internal Records
External Records
• Store audits
• Warehouses withdrawal services
• Consumer purchase panels
• Multimedia services
Published Data
Standardized
sources of
marketing
Internet
• Cost information
• Distributor reports and feedback
• Customer feedback
Electronic
Printed
• Government
• Trade Associations
• Periodicals
• Newspapers
• Books
• Annual Reports
• Private Studies

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1.8 Let us Sum up
In present era people must have some knowledge of Data, how to collect data ,
what are the methods of collection of data so keeping that in mind after the
study of this unit we know about collection of data , sources of data, need of
collecting data, method of collecting data. Advantages and Disadvantages of
Primary data and Secondary data and difference between Primary and
secondary data . As can be seen from the above discussion that primary data is
an original and unique data, which is directly collected by the researcher from
a source according to his requirements. As opposed to secondary data which is
easily accessible but are not pure as they have undergone through many
statistical treatments.

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1.9 Unit End Questions
1. What do you understand by ‘Primary Data’? Mention the various sources of
Primary data?
2. What do you understand by ‘Secondary Data’? Mention the various sources of
secondary data?
3. Distinguish between Primary Data and Secondary Data and discuss the
various methods used in the collection of Primary Data
4. Classify the methods generally employed in the collection of statistical data.
Which of these is most reliable and why and state brief their respective merits
and demerits.

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1.10 Suggested Readings
Asthana H.S, and Bhushan, B.(2007) Statistics for Social Sciences (with SPSS
Applications). Prentice Hall of India
B.L.Aggrawal (2009). Basic Statistics. New Age International Publisher, Delhi.
Gupta, S.C.(1990) Fundamentals of Statistics. Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai
Elhance, D.N: Fundamental of Statistics
Singhal, M.L: Elements of Statistics
Nagar, A.L. and Das, R.K.: Basic Statistics
Croxton Cowden: Applied General Statistics
Nagar, K.N.: Sankhyiki ke mool tatva
Gupta, BN : Sankhyiki

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