Data Collection
Definition: The process of enumerating or counting items in a systematic way is called data collection.
- Quantitative Data: Data that can be counted or measured in numerical terms (e.g., income, population, production).
- Qualitative Data: Data that represents the quality, characteristics, or attributes of an individual or object (e.g., occupation, education level, opinions).
Pre-Requisites of Data Collection
Before collecting data, the following factors should be considered:
- Objectives of the enquiry: Clearly define what the study intends to achieve.
- Scope of enquiry: Determine the boundaries and coverage of the study.
- Sources of information: Identify where data can be obtained (primary or secondary).
- Methods of data collection: Decide on tools and techniques (interview, survey, observation, etc.).
- Units of data collection: Define the unit of analysis (individual, household, firm, region).
- Degree of accuracy: Ensure the precision needed for the study.
- Types of enquiry: Choose between descriptive, analytical, exploratory, or experimental studies.
Types of Data
- Primary Data: Data collected for the first time by the investigator or an agent on behalf of the investigator.
Methods of Primary Data Collection:
- Direct personal interview – Face-to-face discussion with respondents.
- Indirect oral interview – Collecting information through intermediaries.
- Mailed questionnaire method – Sending questionnaires to respondents by post.
- Information through correspondents – Using local agents or representatives to collect data.
- Questionnaire sent through enumerators – Data collection via field agents.
- Secondary Data: Data collected by someone else for their own purpose but used by others for research or analysis.
Sources of Secondary Data:
- Published sources – Government reports, newspapers, journals, books, statistical abstracts.
- Unpublished sources – Records, reports, internal files, company records, letters, and personal notes.
Precautions in the Use of Secondary Data
When using secondary data, the following points should be considered:
- Reliability of data: Ensure data is authentic and comes from a credible source.
- Suitability of data: Check if the data fits the purpose of the study.
- Adequacy of data: Verify if the data is sufficient in quantity and detail to answer the research questions.