DATA COLLECTION; MEANING ,

TYPES OF DATA , METHODS

(KURUKSHETRA
UNIVERSITY
KURUKSHETRA)

SUBMITTED TO:
SUBMITTED BY:
MR. ANKUSH
PARVEEN SAINI
ASSISSTANT PROFF.
BHM&CT 7TH
OF D.T.H.M.
ROLL NO. 20
SUB. - Research Methodology

DATA COLLECTION
MEANING OF DATA COLLECTION:Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, in an
established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions, test hypotheses, and
evaluate outcomes. The data collection component of research is common to all fields of study including
physical and social sciences, humanities, business, etc. While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on
ensuring accurate and honest collection remains the same.
The importance of ensuring accurate and appropriate data collection

Regardless of the field of study or preference for defining data (quantitative, qualitative), accurate data
collection is essential to maintaining the integrity of research. Both the selection of appropriate data
collection instruments (existing, modified, or newly developed) and clearly delineated instructions for their
correct use reduce the likelihood of errors occurring.
Consequences from improperly collected data include:
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inability to answer research questions accurately

distorted findings resulting in wasted resources

misleading other researchers to pursue fruitless avenues of investigation

compromising decisions for public policy

causing harm to human participants and animal subjects

While the degree of impact from faulty data collection may vary by discipline and the nature of
investigation, there is the potential to cause disproportionate harm when these research results are used to
support public policy recommendations.

Types of Data:There are two different types of data that we use when we are carrying our research projects. These two
different types of data are called Primary and Secondary data collection.
1.Primary Data:
Primary data is data that we collect ourselves during the period of our research e.g. Questionnaires,
Observations, Interviews and so on. We then use the data we have collected and noted down to begin the
next stage of out research which is the theory making and the understanding of what we are researching.
Primary data is best used for ever evolving research because different factors play roles in things we
research and can lead to varying results depending on the factor and how much of a role it plays on the
research.
2.Secondary Data:
Secondary data is data that has already been collect and we use for reference or to gain knowledge from
other peoples experiences e.g. published books, Government publications, Journals and the internet. We
then use this data to add to the Primary data that we have collected and use it to combine different peoples
opinions and base a theory with evidence to back this point up.
Secondary data is best used to add other existing evidence and proof to the Primary data that we have
collected, we are better using Secondary data as reference and to gain the knowledge that we need to begin
our own research processes.

Classification of Data:There are multiple classifications of data that we used in our research these include, discrete data, Ordinal
data, Continuous data, Nominal data, Interval data and Ratio data.
1.Discrete Data:
Discrete data cant be broken down into smaller data values, e.g. a questionnaire with answer options of
Yes/No? and Male/Female? This type of research is best used for things that are counted in whole
numbers like the example showed.
2.Ordinal Data:
Ordinal data is usually data that can be ranked and put in place depending on the values that each subject
has for example a football league table, the team with more points will be placed higher up in the league
table.
3.Continuous Data:
Continuous data can have and number value with any number of desired decimal places , this data is used
in events that require time as major part of how the event works and is ranked e.g. a formula one race can
come down to milliseconds between the placing the drivers receive. And example of continuous data is
The driver completed the fastest lap of the race winning by 1m 12.34 seconds
4.Nominal Data:
Nominal data is used to assign categories for identification purposes e.g. Male = 1 Female = 2 the
numbers have no value but identify the difference between the male and female population participating in
the research or data evidence.
5.Interval Data:
Interval data is used on an order of scale basis that is equal to intervals between scores e.g. Olympic
judging scores 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, this data is used if judges are unsure whether to round off the scores higher
or lower so have the option to offer up a score in-between the two scores that the performer received.
6.Ratio Data:
Ratio data is based on an order scale with proportional equal units of measurement e.g. Rugby scores
scoring 40 points has twice the value of scoring 20 points. This data is also used in things such as blood
pressure measurements.

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Methods of Data Collection:-

Essentially two types:

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

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Secondary data are those which have already been collected by someone else and which have

through some statistical analysis

Collection of Primary Data:

Primary data may be collected thru:

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Observation Method

Interview Method

Thru Questionnaires/Schedules

Experiments

Surveys (sample surveys or census surveys)

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1. Observation Method:

Observation becomes a scientific tool and the method of data collection, when it serves a formulated

research purpose, is systematically planned and recorded and is subjected to checks and controls on validity
and reliability
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Under observation the information is sought by way of investigators own direct observation without

asking from the respondent

Main advantages are:

.Subjective bias is eliminated

.The information relates to what is currently happening

.This method is independent of respondents willingness to respond

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Main Limitations are:

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.It is expensive

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.The information provided by this method is very limited

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.Unforeseen factors may interfere with the observation task

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Types of Observation

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.Structured vs. Unstructured Observation

.Participant vs. Non-participant Observation

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.Structured vs. Unstructured Observation

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Structured Observation when the observation is characterized by a careful definition of the units

to be observed, the style of recording the observed information, standardized conditions of observation and
the selection of pertinent data of observation
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Unstructured Observation when it takes place without the above characteristics

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Participant vs. Non-participant - This distinction depends upon the observers sharing or not sharing

the life of the group he is observing

2. Interview Method

The Interview Method of collecting data involves presentation of oral-verbal stimuli and

reply in terms of oral verbal responses

Personal Interview: PI Method requires the interviewer asking questions in a face-to-face contact

with the person

Collecting information thru PI is structured the use of a set of predetermined questions and highly

standardized techniques of recording

In unstructured interviews there is a flexibility of approach to questioning

Unstructured interviews do not follow a system of pre-determined questions and standardized

techniques of recording information

Other Interview Techniques

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Focused Interview to focus attention on the given experience of the respondent and its effects

The Interviewer has the freedom to decide the manner and sequence of questions to elicit/explore

reasons and motives. The main task is to confine the respondent to a discussion of issues
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Clinical Interview is concerned with broad underlying feelings or motivations or with the course of

an individuals life experience. Eliciting information is left to the interviewers discretion

Non-Directive Interview the interviewer's function is simply to encourage the respondent to talk

about the topic with a bare minimum of direct questioning. The interviewer often acts as a catalyst to a
comprehensive expression of the respondents feelings and beliefs
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Advantages:

.More information and in greater depth can be obtained

.Resistance may be overcome by a skilled interviewer

.Greater flexibility an opportunity to restructure questions

.Observation method can also be applied to recording verbal answers

.Personal information can be obtained

.Possibility of spontaneous responses and thus more honest responses

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Disadvantages:

.Expensive method

.Interviewer bias

.Respondent bias

.Time consuming

Under the interview method the organization required for selecting, training, and supervising the field

staff is complex with formidable problems

Establishing rapport to facilitate free and frank responses is very difficult

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3. Data Collection Thru Questionnaires:

Popular in major studies

Briefly a Questionnaire is sent (by post) to the persons concerned with a request to answer the

questions and return the Questionnaire

A Questionnaire consists of a number of questions printed in a definite order on a form

The Questionnaire is mailed to respondents who are expected to read and understand the questions

and write down the reply in the space provided

Merits of Questionnaire Method:

.Low cost even when the universe is large and is widespread

.Free from interviewer bias

.Respondents have adequate time to think thru their answers

.Respondents who are not easily approachable, can also be reached conveniently

.Large samples can be used

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Demerits

.Low rate of return

.Respondents need to be educated and cooperative

.Inbuilt inflexibility

.Possibility of ambiguous replies or omission of items

.This method is slow

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Features of a Questionnaire:

Questionnaire is the heart of a survey needs to be carefully constructed

Need to understand the features of the Questionnaire its general form, question sequence and

question formulation and the wording of the questions

1. General Form

May be either structured or unstructured

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Structured Questionnaires are those in which there are definite, concrete, predetermined questions

The questions are presented with exactly the same wording and in the same order to all respondents

The form of the questions may be either closed (yes or no) or open (inviting free responses

Structured Questionnaires may also have fixed alternative questions in which responses are limited to the
stated alternatives
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Thus, a highly structured Questionnaire is one in which all the questions and answers are specified

and comments in the respondents own words are held to the minimum
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Unstructured Questionnaire when the above characteristics are absent, it is known as a

unstructured Questionnaire
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The Interviewer is provided with a general guideline on the type of information to be obtained

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2. Question Sequence:

Proper sequence is needed to elicit valid responses

Sequence must be clear that is, the relation of one question to the next

To establish rapport and to gain cooperation from the respondent difficult questions, personal

questions etc should preferably come at the appropriate time rather than at the begining
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3. Question Formulation & Wording:

Phrasing the questions must be clear and unambiguous

Questions should be impartial and unbiased

Should be easily understood

Should be simple (one idea at a time)

Should be concrete

Form of questions may be multiple choice or open-ended

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4.Data Collection Thru Schedules

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Very similar to the Questionnaire method

The main difference is that a schedule is filled by the enumerator who is specially appointed for the

purpose
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Enumerator goes to the respondents, asks them the questions from the Performa in the order listed,

and records the responses in the space provided

Enumerators must be trained in administering the schedule

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Other Methods of Data Collection:

.Warranty Cards

.Distributor or Store Audits

.Pantry Audits

.Consumer Panels

.Mechanical Devices

.Depth Interviews

.Content Analysis

.Projective Tests

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Collection of Secondary Data:

Published data are available in:

.Publications of State/Central govt.s

.Publications of International Bodies

.Technical and Trade Journals

.Books, Magazines and Newspapers

.Reports/Publications of various organizations (banks, stock exchanges, business houses, etc)

.Reports by scholars, Universities, etc

Public records, Historical Documents, etc

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Secondary Data must possess the following characteristics:

.Reliability of data may be tested by checking:

.Who collected the data?

.What were the sources of the data?

.Was the data collected properly?

.Suitability of data data that are suitable for one enquiry may not be necessarily suitable in another

enquiry
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Therefore, the researcher must scrutinize the definition of various terms and units of collection. Also,

the objectives, scope and nature of the original enquiry must be studied
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.Adequacy of data the data will be considered inadequate, if they are related to an area which may

be either narrower or wider than the area of the present enquiry