Research methodology

Essay , 2021 , 8 Pages

Health - Miscellaneous

Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on targeted variables in an established system, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes. Data collection is a research component in all study fields, including physical and social sciences, humanities, and business. (Ainley, D. G. 2014) While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on ensuring accurate and honest collection remains the same. The goal for all data collection is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to the questions that have been posed. Data collection and validation consists of four steps when it involves taking a census and seven steps when it involves sampling.

ASSIGNMENT ON:

1. DEFINE DATA COLLECTION

2. DESCRIBE THE CLASSIFICATION OF DATA

3. EXPLAIN THE METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

4. DISCUSS SAMPLE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUES IN DETAILS

DATA COLLECTION

According to McLaughlin; data collection is the systematic approach to gathering and measuring information from a variety of source to get a complete and accurate picture of an area of interest.

Emily McLaughlin,14 October 2020.

Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on targeted variables in an established system, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes. Data collection is a research component in all study fields, including physical and social sciences, humanities, and business. (Ainley, D. G. 2014) While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on ensuring accurate and honest collection remains the same. The goal for all data collection is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to the questions that have been posed. Data collection and validation consists of four steps when it involves taking a census and seven steps when it involves sampling.

CLASSIFICATION OF DATA

(a) Primary vs. Secondary Data

Data can be collected in two different ways. One way is to collect data directly from the respondent. The person who answers the questions of the investigator is called respondent. Statistical information thus collected is called primary data and the source of such information is called primary source. This data are original because it is collected for the first time by the investigator himself. For example, if the investigator collects the information about the salaries of National Institute of Open Schooling employees by approaching them, then it is primary data for him. (Ho, Manh-Tung, 2018).

(b) Methods for collecting primary data

There are several methods for collecting primary data. Some of which are:

1. Direct personal interview: In this method investigator (also called interviewer) has to be face-to-face with the person from whom he wants information. The person from whom this information is collected to called respondent.
2. Indirect oral investigation: Under this method data are collected through indirect sources. Under this method questions relating to the inquiry are put to different persons and their answers are recorded. This method is most suitable when the person from whom the information is sought is either unavailable or unwilling.
3. Questionnaire method: In this method a list of questions called questionnaires prepared and sent to respondents either through post or given personally to them. This method is suitable where the field of inquiry is wide.

There are some advantages of using primary data. The investigator can collect the data according to his requirement. It is reliable and sufficient for the purpose of investigation. However, it suffers from disadvantages also in that it involves a lot of cost in terms of money, time and energy. This makes unsuitable when field of enquiry is very large. Many a times with some modifications, same purpose may be served by using data collected by other persons or agencies.

(c) Sources of secondary data

As already discussed secondary data are not collected by the investigator himself but they are obtained by him from other source. Broadly, there area two sources:

(a) Published data and

(b) Unpublished data.

Published Sources

There are certain agencies which collect the data and publish them in the form of either regular journals or reports. These agencies/sources are known as published sources of data.

In India some of the published sources are:

1. Central Statistical Organization (CSO): It publishes data on national income, savings, capital formation etc., in a publication called National
Accounts Statistics.
2. National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO): This organization which is under the Ministry of Finance provides data on all aspects of national economy, such as agriculture, industry, employment and poverty etc.
3. Reserve Bank of India (RBI): It publishes financial statistics. Its publications are Report on Currency and Finance, Reserve Bank of India Bulletin and Statistical Tables Relating to Banks in India etc.
4. Labor Bureau: Its publications are Indian Labor Statistics, Indian Labor Year Book and Indian Labor Journal.
5. Population Census: It is undertaken by the office of the Registrar General, Census of India, Ministry of Home Affairs. It provides us statistics on population, per capita income, literacy rate etc.

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• Author: billlal muhammad (Author)
• Publication Year: 2021
• Pages: 8
• Catalog Number: V1169267
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346591043
• Language: German
• Tags: research