METHODS OF

DATA
COLLECTION
What is Data Collection?

It is the process by which the researcher collects the

information needed to answer the research problem

The task of data collection begins after a research

problem has been defined and research design chalked
out.
Data Collection Strategies
No one best way: decision depends on:

What you need to know: numbers or stories

Where the data reside: environment, files, people

Resources and time available

Complexity of the data to be collected

Frequency of data collection

Intended forms of data analysis

 Rules for Collecting Data

Use multiple data collection methods

Use available data, but need to know

how the measures were defined

how the data were collected and cleaned the extent
of missing data
how accuracy of the data was ensured
If must collect original data:

be sensitive to burden on others

pre-test, pre-test, pre-test

establish procedures and follow them (protocol)

maintain accurate records of definitions and coding

verify accuracy of coding, data input

 Quantitative Approach

Data in numerical form

Data that can be precisely measured

age, cost, length, height, area, volume,
weight, speed, time, and temperature

Harder to develop

Easier to analyze
 Qualitative Approach
Data that deal with description

Data that can be observed or self-reported, but not always precisely

measured

Less structured, easier to develop

Can provide “rich data” — detailed and widely applicable

Is challenging to analyze

Is labor intensive to collect

Usually generates longer reports

 Which Data?
If you: Then Use:
- want to conduct statistical analysis
- want to be precise
Quantitative
- know what you want to measure
- want to cover a large group
- want narrative or in-depth information
- are not sure what you are able to measure Qualitative
- do not need to quantify the results
In collecting the data,the researcher must decide:

Which data to collect?

How to collect the Data?
Who will collect the Data?
When to collect the Data?
The selection of a method for collecting
information depends upon the :-

Resources available
Credibility
Analysis and reporting
Resources
And the skill of the evaluator
Methods of Data Collection

Essentialy Two Types:

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

Secondary Data
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 through:

Experiments
Surveys (sample surveys or census surveys)
 Interviews
 Observation
 Questionnaires
 Schedules
Collection of Primary
Data
Of the above, the important ones are:

1.Observation Method
2.Interview Method
3.Questionnaires
4.Schedules
1.Observation Method

Observation method is a method under which data from the field

is collected with the help of observation by the observer or by
personally going to the field.

In the words of P.V Young

“Observation may be defined as systematic viewing, coupled with
consideration of seen phenomenon.”
Steps For An Effective
Observation
Determine what needs to be observed

Select participants
Random/Selected

Conduct the observation

(venue, duration, recording materials, take photographs )

Compile data collected Analyze and interpret

data collected
 Classification-1:-

 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 related data of
observation.
 Unstructured Observation

When it takes place without the above characteristics.

 Classification-2:-

 Participant Observation
When the observer is member of the group which he is observing then it is
Participant Observation.
 Non-Participant Observation

When observer is observing people without giving any information to them

then it is Non-Paricipant Observation.
 Classification-3 :-

Uncontrolled Observation
When the observation takes place in natural contition i.e., uncontrolled
observation.It is done to get spontaneous picture of life and persons.

Controlled Observation
When observation takes place according to pre arranged plans, with
experimental procedure then it is controlled observation generally done in
laboratory under controlled condition.
Advantages of Observation

 Produces Large quantities of data.

 All data obtained from observations are usable.

 The observation technique can be stopped or begun at any time.

 Relative Inexpensive
 Disadvantages of observation

Interviewing selected subjects may provide more information,economically,

than waiting for the spontaneous occurance of the situation.
It is expensive method

Limited information.

Extensive Training is needed.

2.Interview Method

The Interview Method of collecting data involves presentation of oral-

verbal stimuli and reply in terms of oral- verbal responses.

Interviewer asks questions (which are aimed to get information

required for study) to respondent.
Steps For An Effective
Interview
Prepare interview schedule

Select subjects/ key Respondant Conduct the interview

Analyze and interpret data collected from the interview

Classifications:-

 Structured Interviews :

In this case, a set of predecided questions are there.

 Unstructured Interviews :

In this case, we don’t follow a system of pre-determined questions

 Focused Interviews :
Attention is focused on the given experience of the respondent and its
possible effects.
Classifications:-

 Clinical Interviews :
Concerned with broad underlying feelings or motivations or with the
course of an individual’s life experience.

 Group Interviews :
a group of 6 to 8 individuals is interviewed.

 Qualitative and quantitative Interviews :

divided on the basis of subject matter i.e., whether qualitative or
quantitative.
Classifications:-

Individual Interviews :
Interviewer meets a single person and interviews him.

Selection Interviews :
Done for selection of people for certain Jobs.
Advantages:-

 More information at greater depth can be obtained

 Resistance may be overcome by a skilled interviewer

 Personal information can be obtained

Disadvantages:-

It is an expensive Method

Interviewer bias

Respondent bias

Time consuming
3.Questionnaires

A Questionnaire is sent ( by post or by mail ) 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.
 Steps For An Effective
Questionnaire
Prepare questions
(Formulate & choose types of questions, order them, write instructions, make copies)

Select your respondents

Random/Selected

Administer the questionnaire

(date, venue, time )

Tabulate data collected Analyze and interpret data collected

Classifications:-

 Open-ended questions
This gives the respondents the ability to respond in their own words.

 Close-ended or fixed alternative questions

This allows the respondents to choose one of the given alternatives.
Types:- Dichotomous questions and Multiple Questions.
Essentials of Good Questionnaire

 Should be short and simple

 Follow a sequence of questions from easy to difficult one
 Technical terms should be avoided
 Should provide adequate space for answers in questionnaire
 Directions regarding the filling of questionnaire should be given
Physical Appearance – Quality of paper, Color
 Sequence must be clear
Advantages:-

 Low cost –even when the universe is large and is widespread

 Free from interviewer bias
 Responddents have adequate time to think through the answers.
 Respondents who are not easily approachable, can also be reached
convieniently.
 Large samples can be used.
Examples:
Questionnaires and surveys are open to self-report
biases, such as respondents’ tendency to give socially
desirable answers rather than honest opinions.

Observations are susceptible to observer biases, such as

seeing what one wants to see rather than what is
actually there.
Information about the people you are gathering data from is important.
Collect the specific demographics necessary. Some examples
Age
Gender
Income level Demographics
Ethnic background
Status (student, teacher, visitor)
Be careful not to collect demographics that are not specific to your data
collection purpose.

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Disadvantages:-

 Time consuming

 The respondents need to be educated and cooperative

 This method is slow

 Possibility of unclear replies

4.Schedules

 Very similar to Questionnaire method

 The main difference is that a schedule is filled by the enumerator who

is specially appointed for the purpose.

 Enumerator goes to the respondents, asks them the questions from the
Questionnaire in the order listed, and records the responses in the
space provided.

 Enumerator must be trained in administering the schedule.

Questionnaire Vs. Schedule

Questionnaire Schedule
Q generally send to through Schedule is filled by the
mail and no further assistance enumerator or research
from sender. worker.
Q is cheaper method. Costly requires field workers.
Non response is high Non response is low
Incomplete and wrong Depends on Honesty of the
information is more. enumerator.
Depends on the quality of Relatively more correct and
questionnaire complete
 Precision versus accuracy

"Precise" means sharply defined or measured.

"Accurate" means truthful or correct.

Both Accurate Accurate
and Precise Not precise

Not accurate
But precise
Neither accurate
nor precise
 Secondary data collection methods 
Secondary data may either be published data or unpublished data.
Usually published data are available in:
(a)various publications of the central, state are local governments;
(b)various publications of foreign governments or of international bodies
and their subsidiary organisations;
(c)technical and trade journals;
(d)books, magazines and newspapers;
(e)reports and publications of various associations connected with
business and industry, banks, stock exchanges, etc.;
(f)reports prepared by research scholars, universities, economists, etc. in
different fields; and
(g)public records and statistics, historical documents, and other sources
of published information.
The sources of unpublished data are many;
they may be found in diaries, letters, unpublished biographies
and autobiographies and
also may be available with scholars and research workers,
trade associations, labour bureaus and
other public/ private individuals and organisations.

Dr. A.L. Bowley very aptly observes that it is never safe to take
published statistics at their face value without knowing their
meaning and limitations and
 it is always necessary to criticise arguments that can be based
on them.
the researcher, before using secondary data, must see that
they possess following characteristics:

Reliability of data: The reliability can be tested by finding out

such things about the said data:
(a)Who collected the data?
(b)What were the sources of data?
(c)Were they collected by using proper methods
(d)At what time were they collected?
(e)Was there any bias of the compiler?
(f)What level of accuracy was desired? Was it achieved ?
Suitability of data: 

The data that are suitable for one enquiry may not necessarily be
found suitable in another enquiry.

Adequacy of data: 

If the level of accuracy achieved in data is found inadequate for the

purpose of the present enquiry, they will be considered as
inadequate and should not be used by the researcher. 
Thank You