By: Mihir PandyaMonis Khan

Data are facts, figures, enumerations, charts or graphs which serve the basis of analysis.

There are mainly two types of data

1.Primary data2.Secondary data

Observation method:

Structured – Unstructured observation

Participative - Non participativeDisguised – UndisguisedControlled – Uncontrolled

Enables to record natural behavior.

More reliable.

Emotional Participation

Problem of Observation Control

Check on only current Scenario

Face to face interview

Telephonic interview

Computer assisted interviews (CAI)

“A questionnaire is a pre formulated set of questions to which

respondents record their answers.”

Questionnaires can be:

Personally administered.

Mail questionnaires:Covers large geographical

area.Respondents can fill according

to their convenience.

Merits:

Low CostFree from Interviewers BiasAdequate Time to RespondAccessibilityMore dependable and reliable

results

Demerits:

Low rate of returnDepends on type of respondentsNo Control over the questionnaireAmbiguous or Omission of repliesTrue & Fairness of RepliesSlow Pace

Content

Question formulation and wording.

Type and forms of questions to be asked.

Sequencing of questions.

The personal data sought from respondents.

Questionnaires Schedules

1. Filled by Respondents

1. Filled by Research Workers

2. Cost Effective 2. Relatively Costlier

3. Response Rate is High

3. Response rate is Low

4. Identity of Respondents is not

Essential

4. Identity of Research Worker

5. Very Low Pace 5. Comparatively in Time

Any data which has been gathered earlier by some one.

One’s Primary data may be Secondary data for others.

Secondary data may be published or unpublished.

Points to be borne in mind before using secondary data:

Reliability of data

Suitability of data

Adequacy of data

Merits

Cost effectiveLess time consuming Can be used for comparative analysis

Demerits

Less reliableThreat of data becoming obsolete

QTHAN