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Methods of Data collection

Upendra Lele Master subtitle style Click to edit January 2011

Methods of data collection


n Collecting primary data

Observation method Interviews Questionnaires Schedules Other methods


Warranty cards Distributor or Store Audits Consumer panels Use of mechanical devices, cameras Projective techniques (projections made by respondents) Depth interviews (to discover underlying motives)

Collecting Primary data


n Observation method

n Interview method

Data recorded through direct observation Respondents participation is not expected Limitation Could be expensive, Information provided could be limited

Structured/Unstructured interviews for focused or descriptive info In depth information could be obtained Limitation very expensive n Questionnaires Commonly used in economic and business surveys Pilot study is recommended before final survey Structured questionnaire simple and easy to administer Essentials of a good questionnaire

Short and simple Questions should proceed in logical sequence Unambiguous questions Adequate space for answers Provision for indicating uncertainty do not know, no preference Good physical appearance

Collecting Primary data


n Use of Schedules

Similar to questionnaire, but the proforma is filled by the enumerator Identity of the respondent is clearly known in this case Personal contact with the respondent is likely to get better response Limitation more expensive

Methods of data collection


n Collecting Secondary Data

Data sources

Data must possess following Characteristics Selection of appropriate method of data collection
Nature, scope and object of research enquiry Availability of funds Time factor Precision required Reliability of the data Suitability Adequacy

Publications by Central and State government Publications by International bodies Books, magazines, newspapers Reports and publications by various associations Public records and statistics

Method of secondary data collection

Case study method complete observation of an entity

Indirect Measures

Difference between Survey and Experiment


Survey Conducted for descriptive research Experiment Used for experimental research (causal or hypothesis testing)

Usually have larger samples since responses are Small samples with focused study groups low (20-30%) Variables are not manipulated Concerned with recording and interpreting the conditions Mostly applicable to social sciences Examples of field research Concerned with formulation of hypothesis Try to identify relationships between variables Data is collected through census or sample surveys Variables are manipulated Concerned with measuring the effect of treatments Mostly applicable in physical and natural sciences Mostly examples of laboratory research Concerned with testing of hypothesis Try to estimate the strength of relationship Data is collected through experiments

Data Processing and Analysis

Processing Operations
n Editing

Examine the raw data for errors Ensure that the data is accurate, consistent, uniformly entered and complete Assign numerals to data to help classification Should be exhaustive and mutually exclusive According to attributes: discrete frequency distribution According to class intervals Process of summarizing raw data in a compact form

n Coding

n Classification

n Tabulation

It conserves space Facilitates process of comparison Facilitates detection of errors and omissions Provides basis for statistical analysis

Types of Analyses
n Descriptive Analysis

Study of distribution of one variable

E.g. Profile of companies, work groups, persons on characteristics such as


composition, efficiency, preferences etc.

Measures of central tendency (Mean, Median, Mode) Measures of dispersion (Range, Mean deviation, Variance) Skewness coefficient: j =(X-bar Mode)/

n Inferential (Statistical) Analysis


Study of relationship between two or more variables Bivariate Analysis (two variables) Multivariate Analysis (effect to many variables on dependent variable)
Measures of Correlation Simple Regression Analysis ANOVA Analysis of Variance

Multiple Correlation Multiple Regression Analysis Multiple Discriminant Analysis applicable when dependent variable cannot be measured, but the objective is to predict the possibility of it belonging to one of the 2-3 groups/ranges Multivariate ANOVA extension of two way ANOVA Canonical Analysis to simultaneously predict a set of dependent variables from their joint covariance with a set of dependent variables

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