Topic No :- 02

Data Collection & Proseccing

Introduction Meaning & Types of data
• Data refers to a systematic record of a specific quantity. It is the
diverse values of that quantity together which the sets represent. In
other words, it is a set of facts and figures which are useful in a partic
• Data are defined as "numerical or qualitative values derived from
scientific experiments"
Meaning of Data

Data can be defined as a systematic record of a particular

quantity. It is the different values of that quantity represented
together in a set. It is a collection of facts and figures to be used
for a specific purpose such as a survey or analysis. When
arranged in an organized form, can be called information. The
source of data ( primary data, secondary data) is also an
important factor.
Types of Data
Data may be qualitative or quantitative. Once you know the difference between them, you can know how to use them.

Qualitative Data: They represent some characteristics or attributes. They depict descriptions that may be observed but
cannot be computed or calculated. For example, data on attributes such as intelligence, honesty, wisdom, cleanliness, and
creativity collected using the students of your class a sample would be classified as qualitative. They are more exploratory
than conclusive in nature.

Quantitative Data: These can be measured and not simply observed. They can be numerically represented and calculations
can be performed on them. For example, data on the number of students playing different sports from your class gives an
estimate of how many of the total students play which sport. This information is numerical and can be classified as
quantitative.

Discrete Data: These are data that can take only certain specific values rather than a range of values. For example, data on
the blood group of a certain population or on their genders is termed as discrete data. A usual way to represent this is by
using bar charts.

Continuous Data: These are data that can take values between a certain range with the highest and lowest values. The
difference between the highest and lowest value is called the range of data. For example, the age of persons can take
values even in decimals or so is the case of the height and weights of the students of your school. These are classified as
continuous data. Continuous data can be tabulated in what is called a frequency distribution. They can be graphically
represented using histograms.
What is Data Collection?

In Statistics, data collection is a process of gathering information from all the relevant
sources to find a solution to the research problem. It helps to evaluate the outcome of the
problem. The data collection methods allow a person to conclude an answer to the
relevant question. Most of the organizations use data collection methods to make
assumptions about future probabilities and trends. Once the data is collected, it is
necessary to undergo the data organization process.

The main sources of the data collections methods are “Data”. Data can be classified into
two types, namely primary data and secondary data. The primary importance of data
collection in any research or business process is that it helps to determine many important
things about the company, particularly the performance. So, the data collection process
plays an important role in all the streams. Depending on the type of data, the data
collection method is divided into two categories namely,
Data Collection
Depending on the source, it can classify as primary data or secondary data. Let us take
a look at them both.

 Primary Data :-
These are the data that are collected for the first time by an investigator for a specific
purpose. Primary data are ‘pure’ in the sense that no statistical operations have been
performed on them and they are original. An example of primary data is the Census of
India.

 Secondary Data :-
They are the data that are sourced from someplace that has originally collected it. This
means that this kind of data has already been collected by some researchers or
investigators in the past and is available either in published or unpublished form. This
information is impure as statistical operations may have been performed on them
already. An example is an information available on the Government of India, the
Department of Finance’s website or in other repositories, books, journals, etc.
Primary Data Collection Methods
Primary data or raw data is a type of information that is obtained directly from the first-hand source through experiments,
surveys or observations. The primary data collection method is further classified into two types. They are

Quantitative Data Collection Methods

Qualitative Data Collection Methods
Let us discuss the different methods performed to collect the data under these two data collection methods.

Quantitative Data Collection Methods

It is based on mathematical calculations using various formats like close-ended questions, correlation and regression methods,
mean, median or mode measures. This method is cheaper than qualitative data collection methods and it can be applied in a
short duration of time.

Qualitative Data Collection Methods

It does not involve any mathematical calculations. This method is closely associated with elements that are not quantifiable.
This qualitative data collection method includes interviews, questionnaires, observations, case studies, etc. There are several
methods to collect this type of data. They are

Observation Method

Observation method is used when the study relates to behavioral science. This method is planned systematically. It is subject to
many controls and checks. The different types of observations are:
Structured and unstructured observation Controlled and uncontrolled observation
Participant, non-participant and disguised observation Interview Method

The method of collecting data in terms of verbal responses. It is achieved in two ways, such as

Personal Interview – In this method, a person known as an interviewer is required to ask questions face
to face to the other person. The personal interview can be structured or unstructured, direct
investigation, focused conversation, etc.
Telephonic Interview – In this method, an interviewer obtains information by contacting people on the
telephone to ask the questions or views, verbally.

Questionnaire Method In this method, the set of questions are mailed to the respondent. They should
read, reply and subsequently return the questionnaire. The questions are printed in the definite order on
the form. A good survey should have the following features:

Short and simple

Should follow a logical sequence
Provide adequate space for answers
Avoid technical terms
Should have good physical appearance such as color, quality of the paper to attract the attention of the
respondent
Secondary Data Collection Methods
Secondary data is data collected by someone other than the actual user. It means that the information is already available,
and someone analyses it. The secondary data includes magazines, newspapers, books, journals, etc. It may be either
published data or unpublished data.

Published data are available in various resources including

Government publications
Public records
Historical and statistical documents
Business documents
Technical and trade journals
Unpublished data includes

Diaries
Letters
Unpublished biographies, etc.