Data and

Measurements
Meaning and Need for Data
• Research data is any information that has been collected, observed,
generated or created to validate original research findings. Research
data may be arranged or formatted in a such a way as to make it
suitable for communication, interpretation and processing.
• Data are collected for fulfillment of research objectives.
• Data are collected from primary and secondary sources.
• Primary data are raw data that are refined and edited as per the
requirements of research objectives. Such refined data become
information for the research.
Need for Data
• It helps in making informed decisions
• Stops molehills from turning into mountains
• It helps in supporting the arguments
• It helps in finding solutions
• Helps in identifying trends and designing future strategies
Secondary Data
• Secondary data is existing data collected by someone else for a
purpose different from the original intent. Researchers analyze and
interpret this data to extract relevant information.
Sources of Secondary Data
• Secondary data can be obtained from various sources, including:
• a. Published Sources: Researchers refer to books, academic journals,
magazines, newspapers, government reports, and other published
materials that contain relevant data.
• b. Online Databases: Numerous online databases provide access to a
wide range of secondary data, such as research articles, statistical
information, economic data, and social surveys.
• c. Government and Institutional Records: Government agencies,
research institutions, and organizations often maintain databases or
records that can be used for research purposes.
• d. Publicly Available Data: Data shared by individuals, organizations, or
communities on public platforms, websites, or social media can be
accessed and utilized for research.
• e. Past Research Studies: Previous research studies and their findings
can serve as valuable secondary data sources. Researchers can review
and analyze the data to gain insights or build upon existing
knowledge.
Characteristics of secondary data
• 1. Secondary data are published data, not original data, for the
research on the hand.
• 2. They give the latest information
• 3. They can be easily collected from various internal and external
sources.
• 4. They are relatively cheaper; they need less efforts, time, and
money.
• 5. They have been collected by other people for their own problems
and situation in the past.
• 6. They are used as a supplementary to primary data. Mostly, they are
used for defining and understanding problems.
• 7. The use of secondary data is optional. Research can be conducted
even without the use of this type of data.
Advantages and Disadvantages of
Secondary data
Advantages Disadvantages
• Easy to access • Inaccurate
• Cost Effective • Might be outdated sometimes
• Less time consuming • Not compatible with the needs
• Can be collected through of the user
different sources • Quality cannot be controlled
• Based on longitudinal analysis • Can be baised
Primary Data
• Primary data is a type of data that is collected by researchers directly
from main sources through interviews, surveys, experiments, etc.
• These are regarded as the best kind of data for research
• The data is collected through direct interaction with the respondents.
• This method allows researchers to obtain firsthand information
specifically tailored to their research objectives.
Methods of primary data collection
• a. Surveys and Questionnaires: Researchers design structured
questionnaires or surveys to collect data from individuals or groups.
These can be conducted through face-to-face interviews, telephone
calls, mail, or online platforms.
• b. Interviews: Interviews involve direct interaction between the
researcher and the respondent. They can be conducted in person,
over the phone, or through video conferencing. Interviews can be
structured (with predefined questions), semi-structured (allowing
flexibility), or unstructured (more conversational).
• c. Observations: Researchers observe and record behaviors, actions,
or events in their natural setting. This method is useful for gathering
data on human behavior, interactions, or phenomena without direct
intervention.
• d. Experiments: Experimental studies involve the manipulation of
variables to observe their impact on the outcome. Researchers
control the conditions and collect data to draw conclusions about
cause-and-effect relationships.
• e. Focus Groups: Focus groups bring together a small group of
individuals who discuss specific topics in a moderated setting. This
method helps in understanding opinions, perceptions, and
experiences shared by the participants.
Advantages and disadvantages of
primary data over secondary data
• Advantages:
• More Accurate
• Reliable
• Useful for testing research hypothesis
• Useful for attaining research objectives
• Is collected in real time so is more relevant for tracking events and monitoring
processes
• It’s always without any bias
• Disadvantages:
• Data Collection can be expensive
• More time consuming
• Sometimes it can be difficult to approach the respondents
Measurement
• Measurement means the description of data in terms of numbers.
• Measurement is the process of quantification of some phenomena.
• In this process, a comparison is made of a quantity with an appropriate scale for
the purpose of determining the numerical value.
• Measurement means comparing an unknown quantity with a known quantity
which is taken as unity.
• Measurement means the assignment of a precise ‘quantitative value’.
• Measurement is the process of assigning symbols to observation in some
meaningful and consistent manner.
• Measurement is the assignment of symbols to the dimensions of the phenomena
in order to characterize the status of the phenomena as precisely as possible.
Attitude scaling technique
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqWsWo86KUA
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnBik0ysvac