Data collection is the process by which the researcher collects the information needed to answer the

research problem. There are two methods for data collection

1. Primary data collection method

• Observation method
• Interview method
• Survey method
• Questionnaire method
• Schedule method
2. Secondary data collection method
• Published data
• Unpublished data

Primary data: Primary data are those data, which are collected for the first time and these are
original in character. These data is collected by the researcher or through investigators or
enumerators for the first time. The primary data are original data which are collected for the first
time for a specific purpose. They are collected for a particular purpose.
Secondary data: Secondary data is the data which is available prior to the commencement of a
research study. Secondary data are those which have been collected by some other person for his
purpose and published.

1.a) observation method

One of the principal methods of collecting data is observation. This research technique is primarily used
for qualitative research to gather data about people, objects, events, behaviours, etc., in their natural
setting. Researchers watch, listen, take notes, and also record video/audio in their surroundings to get
first-hand information on the research topic. There are two approaches to observation:

Participant observation – Researchers become part of their research projects, take part in the events, and
may even interact with the other participants. It may alter the behaviour of participants knowing that they
are being observed (Hawthorne Effect).

Non-participant observation – Researchers are not involved with anything that happens around them. In
this situation, people act more naturally as they are unaware of being watched by someone.

Observation method has significant advantages and disadvantages. First, let’s check the benefits that come
with this method:

Advantages

It is one of the simplest methods of data collection as it does not require specialization or expertise in
many cases.
The observation method helps you to formulate a valid research hypothesis for your systematic
investigation. You can test this hypothesis via experimental research to get valid findings.

Disadvantages

When the participants know they are being observed, they may act differently and this can affect the
accuracy of the information you gather.

Because observation is done in the participant’s natural environment; that is an environment without
control, the findings from this process are not very reliable.

1.b) Questionnaire method

Questionnaire refers to a technique of data collection by using a set of questions which is sent to
respondents by hand, by post or email. It could be web-based too. A respondent fills up the
answers of the questions in the space provided for the purpose in the questionnaire itself.
Questionnaire is a technique of data collection which is widely used not only by those in
academics but also people engaged with marketing, advertising and other fields. It is designed to
collect data from large, diverse and widely scattered groups of people. A questionnaire consists
of number of questions that are printed in a definite order. The questionnaire is sent to
respondents either by hand, post or email. At the beginning of the questionnaire itself, the
researcher explains his/her identity and the purpose of the research for which data is being
collected through the questionnaire. Often, the researcher adds that the information collected
through the questionnaire will be kept confidential, will not be shared with anyone, and will be
used only for the purpose for which it is being collected. This provides a sense of confidence
among respondents. It is ethically improper to break the confidence of respondents.
The questions asked can take two forms:

Restricted questions, also called closed-ended, ask the respondent to make choices — yes or no, check
items on a list, or select from multiple choice answers. Restricted questions are easy to tabulate and
compile.

Unrestricted questions are open-ended and allow respondents to share feelings and opinions that are
important to them about the matter at hand. Unrestricted questions are not easy to tabulate and compile,
but they allow respondents to reveal the depth of their emotions

Advantages

One of the greatest benefits of questionnaires lies in their uniformity — all respondents see exactly the
same questions.

It is an inexpensive method, regardless of the size of the universe.

Free from the bias of the interviewer, as the respondents answer the questions in his own words.

Respondents have enough time to think and answer.

Due to its large coverage, respondents living in distant areas can also be reached conveniently

Disadvantages

The risk of collection of inaccurate and incomplete information is high in the questionnaire, as it might
happen that people may not be able to understand the question correctly.

The rate of non-response is high.

1.c) schedule
Like the questionnaire, schedule is technique of data collection, which contains a list of questions. The
difference between a questionnaire and schedule, however, is that while the former is filled by
respondents, the latter is filled by the researcher. The researcher goes to the informants with the schedule,
and asks them the questions. Researcher plays an important role in the collection of data, through
schedules. They explain the aims and objects of the research to the respondents and interpret the
questions to them when required. Most common example of data collection through schedule is
population census. The main advantage of schedule is the presence of the researcher. In simple terms, the
researcher could explain the question in detail, seek additional information (i.e., information beyond the
questions listed in the schedule), obtain clarification on the response, may change the sequence, language
and style of questions.

Advantages

High response rate: The schedule method has a higher response rate than the questionnaire method.

Known respondent identity: The identity of the respondent is known in the schedule method.

Less time, cost, and effort: The schedule method can collect data in less time, cost, and effort.

Disadvantages

Potential for bias: The enumerator may influence the answers to the questions.

Success depends on integrity and honesty: The success of the schedule method depends on the honesty,
integrity, and efficiency of the method

1.d) Interview
Interviews are different from questionnaires as they involve close and sometimes prolonged interaction
between researcher and informants. The objective of this interaction is collection of data relevant to the
study. . There is a difference between “everyday conversation” and “interview”. While conversation is
casual and could cover any topic of common interest, interview is based on the theme(s), ideas and issues
pertaining to the study. Here, the researcher controls the direction in which the interaction proceeds.
Taking interviews is preceded by preparing a list/outline of questions on the topics relating to the research
problem.
Personal interview : Personal interview is face to face interaction with observer and respondent. In this
method the interviewer ask various questions and collects necessary information. This is a direct personal
investigation from the source of information.

Telephone interview: This method of collecting information consists in contacting respondants on

telephone itself. When respondent cannot be contacted personally then information which is required to
the collected can be collected through phone. This method is not widely used but even than it is a main
source for survey in developed regions.

Advantages

Interview technique can be used in both literate and illiterate populations. The researcher can make a
selection of informants he/she would interview.

Interview enables the researcher to obtain data in detail.

Interview provides an opportunity to re-frame questions, add and/or skip some questions. The way
questions are asked can be adapted to the nature of an informant.

In the course of an interview the researcher is able to understand the social context of the informant as
well as his/her willingness, emotions and personal characteristics that may enhance the quality of data.

Disadvantages

Interviews are difficult to conduct in large heterogeneous population and in inaccessible geographical.
areas

There is likelihood that the bias of the researcher would influence the interview.

Interviews are more-time-consuming, especially when the sample is large and largely depend on the
willingness of informants when the researcher goes prepared to conduct the interview. .

1.e) Survey method

A survey is a data collection tool that lists a set of structured questions to which respondents provide
answers based on their knowledge and experiences. It is a standard data gathering process that allows you
to access information from a predefined group of respondents during research.

In a survey, you would find different types of questions based on the research context and the type of
information you want to have access to. Many surveys combine open-ended and closed-ended questions
including rating scales and semantic scales. This means you can use them for qualitative and quantitative
research.

Surveys come in 2 major formats; paper forms or online forms. A paper survey is a more traditional method
of data collection and it can easily result in loss of data. Paper forms are also cumbersome to organize and
process.
Online surveys, on the other hand, are usually created via data collection platforms like Formplus. These
platforms have form builders where you can create your survey from scratch using different form fields
and features

Advantages
Surveys allow you to gather data from a large sample size or research population. This helps to improve
the validity and accuracy of your research findings.

The cost of creating and administering a survey is usually lower compared to other research methods.

It is a convenient method of data collection for the researcher and the respondents.

disadvantages
The validity of the research data can be affected by survey response bias.

High survey dropout rates can also affect the number of responses received in your survey.

2.Secondary method
2.a) Published
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 ffus 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.

h) websites like official website of Reserve bank of India, National Stock Exchange, etc.
2.b) Unpublished data

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.