5th Chapter

Data Collection and

Processing

Meaning and Importance of

Data

Research begins with a problem statement or

a question. In order to obtain solution to the
problem or answer to the question, collection
of data is very essential. The gathering of
data may range from a simple observation at
one location to worldwide survey.
The method selected will largely determined
how data are collected. Questionnaires,
standardized tests and observation forms are
the most important forms of data collection

Contd
Data may be defined as the facts
presented to the researcher from the
studys environment data serves as
the basis of analysis.

Types of Data
Once the researcher has decided the
research design; the next job is to data
collection. For data to be useful. Our
observations need to be organized so that
we can get some patterns and come to
logical conclusion.
Statistical investigation requires
systematic collection of data, so that all
relevant groups are represented in the
data.

Contd
Statistical data can be classified into two
categories, primary and secondary
Primary data:- primary data is one
which is collected by the investigator
himself for the purpose of a specific
inquiry or study. Such data is original in
character and is generated by surveys
conducted by individuals or research
institutions.

Secondary Data
When an investigator used the data which
has already been collected by others, such
data is called secondary data. This data is
primary data for the agency that collects it
and becomes secondary data for someone
else who uses this data for his own purposes.
the secondary data can be obtained from
journals, reports, government publications,
publication of professional and research
organizations and so on.

is the data that have been already collected by and

readily available from other sources. Such data are
cheaper and more quickly obtainable than the
primary data and also may be available when
primary data can not be obtained at all.
Advantages of Secondary data
It is economical. It saves efforts and expenses.
It is time saving.
It helps to make primary data collection more
specific since with the help of secondary data, we
are able to make out what are the gaps and
deficiencies and what additional information needs
to be collected.
It helps to improve the understanding of the
problem.
It provides a basis for comparison for the data that
is collected by the researcher.

Evaluation of Secondary
Data
Availability- It has to be seen that the
kind of data you want is available or not. If
it is not available then you have to go for
primary data.
Relevance-(the relation of something) It
should be meeting the requirements of the
problem. For this we have two criterion: Units of measurement should be the same.
Concepts used must be same and currency
of data should not be outdated.

Contd...
Accuracy- In order to find how accurate
the data is, the following points must be
considered: Specification and methodology used;
Margin of error should be examined;
The dependability of the source must be
seen.
Sufficiency- Adequate data should be
available.