Data Collection Techniques

Naresh P. Shrestha
On the basis of methods of data collection, there are two types of data a.Primary
data & b. Secondary data. Primary data also can be considered as first hand data or
original data, which is collected for specific purpose, in other hand secondary data
are also known as second hand data, which had been used for some other purpose
then taken for the investigation of different topic. In research activities primary
data may be considered as more reliable than secondary data however it is very
difficult to collect primary data in many cases due to financial and time factor as
well. So, secondary data are equally important, useful and being used in research
activities. These two types of data can be collected through various different
methods as;
Primary data collection techniques are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Questionnaire method
Interview method
Scheduale sent through enumerators
Focus group discussion
Observation methods
Expermentation methods

a. Questionnaire methods: This method consists of list of question related to

research objective constructed with great skill, efficiency & wisdom. Such
list will be sent to the respondents by mail or by posting with a request for
full co-operation and correct replies within specified time. This method is
the most economic of primary data collection interms oftime, money and
energy. This method is used for extensive enquiries covering a very wide
area and it is practicable only for the literate respondents.

b. Interview method: The primary data can be collected by interview method

by direct or indirectly. If the respondents are willingly to provide the
informations then one can use direct interview method. However if the

respondents are reluctant to supply the informations then indirect oral

interview method is appropriate. For eg; in an enquiry regarding the drinking
alcohol & gambling habits, people may not respond easily in such csares
indirect oral interview method is appropriate.

c. Schedule sent through enumerators: In this method, the list of question

known as schedule are filled by the enumerators asking with respondents.
This method can be adpoted even for the illiterate respondents. This is quite
expensive method for primary data collection due to training and paid
enumerators.

d. Focus group discussion: In this techniques, the group of interactive

participants where they can talk or discuss without any hesitation in
constructed & a free discussion environment is created to collected the
required data.
e. Observation: The primary data collection method, probably the oldest one,
which has been frequently used I scientific invetigation. This method can be
further divided into 1. Participantory observation & 2. Non-participatory
observation.

In participatory observation, observer/investigator/researcher participates with the

activities of the group under study. The group member are observed in natural
behaviour in such way that they are not pre-informed about the fact that they are
being observed. For eg: It is useful to know the conditions feelings & reactions of
prisoners.

In non-participatory observation, observer observes the group activity from a

distance without participating in group. This method enable to collect the minute
informations without any prejudices.

f.

Experimentation: This technique is also known as experimental method.

This technique is widely used in scientific researches experimentation is
essential to collect the data related to natural science for the researches
conducted in laboratory through the experiments.

If the collection first hand data is impracticable, it is more convenient to use

secondary data because it saves, money & energy. However investigator should be
aware of reliability, accuracy &suitability of the data being used. So the secondary
types of data collection techniques are:
i.
ii.

i.

Review of Literature
Published statistical research

Review of Literature: This method can also be considered as the method

of data obtaining through unpublished sources. The various unpublished
records by Government and private officers, studies made by research
institution, Scholars, business enterprises are the major sources of data.
The process of appropritate data taken from those source is known as
review of literature. Gernerally, in the beginning of research, researcher
topic can be extracted and selected by the review of literature.

ii.

Published statistical research: The various reputed organisation like

World Bank, ILO and other national organisations have published the
various publication, which can be taken & used for further investagation.
This method is known as published statistical research method.