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Title

: Collection of Data

Discipline

: Mathematics

Course

: UG

Subject

: Mathematical Statistics - I

Unit

: Unit I

Presented by

: Ms.I.Antonitte Vinoline
OBJECTIVE

To enable the students to understand the various methods of collection of data.

BACKDROP
The basic problem of statistical inquiry is to collect facts and figures relating
to a particular phenomenon under study, whether the enquiry is in business,
economics or social science. The investigator is the person who conducts the
statistical enquiry. He is a trained and efficient statistician. The respondents are the
persons from whom the information is collected. The statistical units are the items
on which the measurement is taken. Collection of data is the process of
enumeration together with the proper recording of results. The success of an
enquiry is based upon the proper collection of data.
SCRIPT
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DATA:
DATA

Primary data

Secondary data

Primary data are those which are collected for the first time and they are
original in character.

Secondary data are those which are already collected by someone for some
purpose and are available for the present study.
For the collection of primary data, the investigator may choose any one of
the following methods.
1. Direct personal observation
2. Indirect oral interview
3. Information through agencies
4. Mailed questionnaires
5. Schedules sent through enumerator
I.Direct personal observation:
Under this method , the data are collected by the investigator personally. The
investigator must be a keen observer, tactf ul and courteous in behavior. He asks or
cross examines the informant and collects necessary information. The enquiry is
intensive , rather than extensive.
For instance , if one wants to study the living conditions of the people in a
village, he has to go to the village, contact the people and get the needed
information. It is original in character.
This method is adopted in the following cases:
Where greater accuracy is needed.
Where the field of enquiry is not large.
Where the confidential data are to be collected.
Where the field is a complex one
Where intensive study is needed.
where sufficient time is available.
Merits:
1. Original data are collected.
2. Response will be more encouraging , because of personal observation.
3. The investigator can extract correct information.
4. A high degree of accuracy can be aimed.
5. Uniformity and homogeneity can be maintained.
De merits:
1. It is unsuitable when the area is large.
2. It is expensive and time consuming.
3. The chances of bias is more.
4. An untrained investigator will not bring the good result.
5. One has to collect the information according to the convenience of the
informant.

II.Indirect oral interview:

When the informant is reluctant to supply information, the method of
indirect oral investigation can be followed. Under this method, the investigator
approaches the witnesses or third parties, who are in touch with the informant. The
enumerator interviews the people, who are directly or indirectly connected with the
problem under study.
For instance, we are asked to collect information relating to that gambling or
drinking habits of the people. In such cases, the informants will be reluctant to
supply information relating to their own socially evil habits. On such occasions, we
may approach the dealers of liquor shops, friends, neighbors, etc., to get the
needed information. Generally this method is employed by different enquiry
committees and commissions.
The police department generally adopts this method to get clues of thefts,
riots, murders, etc. The police interrogate third parties who possess knowledge
about the happenings under study.
Suitability:
This system is more suitable, where the area to be studied is large. It is used
when direct information cannot be obtained. The system is generally adopted by
governments.
Merits:
1. It is simple and convenient.
2. It saves time, money and labour.
3. It can be used in the investigation of a large area.
4. The information is unbiased.
5. Adequate information can be had.
Demerits:
1. Absence of direct contact is there; the information cannot be
relied.
2. Interview with an improper man will spoil the results.
3. In order to get the real position, a sufficient number of persons are to be
interviewed.
4. The careless attitude of the informant will affect the degree of accuracy.
5. Witnesses may colour the information according to their interests.
III.Information through agencies:
Under this method, local agents or correspondents will be appointed. They
collect the information and transmit it to the office or person. They do this
according to their own ways and tastes.

This system is adopted by newspapers, periodicals, agencies, etc., when

information is needed in different fields, for example, riots, strikes, accidents, share
markets, sports, politics, etc. The informants are generally called correspondents.
Suitability:
This method is generally adopted in those cases where the information is to be
obtained at regular intervals from a wide area.
Merits:
1. Extensive information can be had.
2. It is the most cheap and economical method
3. Speedy information is possible
4. It is useful where information is needed regularly.
Demerits:
1. The information may be biased.
2. Degree of accuracy cannot be maintained.
3. Uniformity cannot be maintained.
4. Data may not be original.
IV.Mailed questionnaires:
In this method, a questionnaire consisting of a list of questions
pertaining to the enquiry is prepared. There are blank spaces for angers. This
questionnaire is sent to the respondents, who are expected to write the answers in
the blank spaces. A covering letter is also sent along with the questionnaire,
requesting the respondents to extend their full co-operation by giving the correct
replies and returning the questionnaire duly filled in time.
To get quick and better response, the return postage expense is borne
by the investigator, by sending a self-addressed and stamped envelope. This
method is adopted by research workers, private .individuals, non-official agencies
and State and Central Governments.
Suitability:
This method is appropriate in cases where informants are spread over a wide
area. This method should be preferred in such enquiries where there could be a
legal compulsion to supply the information so that the risk of non-response is
eliminated.
To make this method effective, the following suggestions are made :
The questionnaire should be so framed that it should not become undue
burden on the respondents.
Self-addressed and stamped cover should be enclosed.
Merits:
1. Of all the methods, the mailed questionnaire method is the most economical.
2. It can be widely used, when the area of investigation is large.

3. It saves money, labour and time.

4. Error in the investigation is very small, because information is obtained
directly from the respondents.
Demerits:
1. In this method, there is no direct contact between the investigator and the
respondent. Therefore we cannot be sure about the accuracy and reliability
of the data.
2. This method is suitable only for literate people. In many countries, there are
illiterate people who cannot understand and reply the questionnaire.
3. There is long delay in receiving questionnaires duly filled in.
4. People may not give the correct answer and thus one is led to false
conclusion. .
5. The questionnaire is inelastic .Asking supplementary question is not
possible.
V.Schedules sent through enumerators:
It is the most widely used method of collection o primary data. A number
of enumerators are selected and trained. They are provided with standardized
questionnaires. Specific training and instructions are given to them for filling up
schedules. Each enumerator will be in charge of a certain area. The investigator
goes to the informants along with the questionnaire and gets replies to the
questions in the schedule and records their answers. He explains clearly the object
and the purpose of the enquiry. The difference between the former and this method
is that in the former method, the questionnaire is sent to the informants,
whereas in this method the investigator carries the schedule to the
informant.This method is used by public organizations and research
institutions.
Suitability:
This method is quite popularly used in practice. The main reason for this is a
very high rate of response because of personal contact of the enumerators.
Merits:
1. This method is very useful in extensive enquiries.
2. It yields reliable and accurate results, because the enumerators are
educated and trained.
3. The scope of the enquiry can also be greatly enlarged.
4. Even if the respondents are illiterate, this technique can be widely used.
5. As the enumerators personally obtain the information, there is less chance of
non-response.
Demerits:
1. This is a very costly method, as the enumerators are trained and paid for.

2. This method is time-consuming, because the enumerators go personally to

obtain the information.
3. Personal bias of the enumerators may lead to false conclusion.
4. The quality of the collected data depends upon the personal qualities of the
enumerator.
5. It is not suited to all persons due to its costliness.
SECONDARY DATA
Secondary data are those data, which have been already collected and
analysed by some earlier agency for its own use; and later the same data are used
by a different agency. According to W.A./Neiswanger, "A primary source is a
publication in which the data are published by the same authority which gathered
and analysed them. A secondary source is a publication, reporting the data which
have been gathered by other authorities and for which others are responsible."
Sources of Secondary Data:
The various sources of secondary data can be divided into two broad categories:
Published sources
Unpublished sources
1.Published sources:
Various governmental, international and local agencies publish statistical
data, and chief among them are:
International Publications
Official publications of state and central governments.
Semi-official publications
Publications of research institutions
Publications of commercial and financial institutions.
Reports of various commities and commissions appointed by the government
Journals and newspapers
2.Unpublished sources:
There are various sources of unpublished data. They are the records
maintained by various government and private offices, the researches carried out
by individual research scholars in the universities or research institutes.
Framing a Questionnaire:
1. The questionnaire should be brief
2. The questions should be simple to understand.
3. Questions should be arranged logically.
4. There must be choice.There are three types of questions,
Simple alternative questions.
Multiple choice questions.

 Specific information questions.

5. Proper words should be used in the questionnaire.
6. Questions of a sensitive and personal nature should be
avoided.
7. Necessary instructions should be given to the informant.
8. Questions related to mathematical calculation should not be
asked.
9. Questions should be capable of an objective answer.
10.A questionnaire should look attractive.
11.Pre-testing the questionnaire must be done before posting it.
12.The accuracy of the questionnaire must be judged.
REFERNCES
Pillai R.S.N , Bagavathi .V (2007 ) STATISTICS S.Chand and Company ,New
Delhi
Arora .S,Sumeet Arora (2002),COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICAL METHODS,
S.Chand and
Company Ltd ,New Delhi.
Douglas A.Lind ,William G.Marchall ,Samuel A. Wathen (2003) ,BASIC
STATISTICS FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS, Mc Graw Hill, Delhi.
Gupta .S.C, Indra Gupta (2004) , BUSINESS STATISTICS ,Himalaya Publishing
House , New Delhi.
Gupta .S.P (2006) , STATISTICAL METHODS, Sultan Chand & Sons ,New
Delhi.
Sharma J.K, (2006) BUSINESS STATISTICS, Dorling Kindersley, (India) Pvt
Ltd,Licensees of Pearson Education in South Asia.
GLOSSARY
Primary data - which are collected for the first time and they are original in
character.
Secondary data - which are already collected by someone for some purpose
and are available for the present study.
CHECK POINT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

What is primary data?

What is secondary data?
Distinguish between primary and secondary data.
Discuss the various methods of collecting primary data.
What are the two sources of secondary data?
Discuss the requirements of a good questionnaire.