Collection of Data: Primary and Secondary

Introduction to Collection of Data: Primary and Secondary

In this article we will go through the topic Collection of Data: Primary and Secondary. The increasingly complex nature of business and government has focused attention on the uses of research methodology in solving managerial problems. The credibility of the results derived from the application of such methodology depends upon up-to-date information about the various pertinent characters included in the analysis.

For example, if we believe that the government policy is responsible for the downfall of cottage industry, we need to probe into matter and gather information about the policy of the government towards the cottage industry. For this purpose, we have to look to the different sources which provide us necessary information. The sources of information are generally classified as primary and secondary.

Collection of Data: Primary Data

Primary data are information collected by researcher for the purpose of the research project immediately at hand. For example, an investigator wants to know about the level of job satisfaction in a government department. He can prepare a schedule and meet a sample number of employees of that department and ask for their opinions. This is the information collected by the researcher for the purpose of his study and hence are primary in character. Ordinarily, experiments and surveys constitute the principal sources of primary data.

Collection of Data: Secondary data

Secondary data refer to the information that have been collected by someone other than the researcher for purpose other than those involved in the research project at hand. For example, annual accounts compiled by a bank for the purpose of presenting true and fair view of the financial position of the bank are primary for that bank. But these accounts become secondary data for a researcher because they have been compiled for a separate purpose.

Methods of Collecting Primary Data

1. Observation

 Observation is considered one of the cheaper and more effective technique of data collection. The investigator collects the requisite information through observation. For example, in order to study the conditions of students residing in a college hostel, the investigator meets the students in the hostel and collects necessary information after a personal study. Much of our knowledge about human beings, surroundings are accumulated only through this process.

2. Personal Interview

 Interview is another powerful technique of primary data collection. It is useful method of securing data in the field surveys. Information is obtained by conversing with respondents. Interview is the most direct means of conducting enquiry into any research problem. Since many of the social science research problems involve the personal conduct of the respondents, interview is perhaps the only method through which the researcher would be able to establish such direct contact.

3. Telephonic interviews

Telephonic interviews help to establish contact with the respondents spread over geographic locations and obtain responses quickly. The method is effective only when the interviewer has specific questions to ask and needs responses promptly. Since interviewer in this case cannot observe the non-verbal responses at the other end, the respondent can unilaterally terminate the interview without warning or explanation.

4. Questionnaire

A popular and common method of collection of primary data are schedule and questionnaire. These methods are considered to have particular reference, if the researcher is to collect data on personal preferences social attitudes, opinions, beliefs feelings etc.

The increasing use of schedule or questionnaire is perhaps due to increased emphasis by management on quantitative measurement of accumulated data. A set of questions relevant to subject are mailed to a selected list of persons with a request to return them duly filled in. Supplementary instructions regarding the definitions of terms used and the methods of filling up the forms should also accompany the questionnaire.

5. Schedule

A schedule is a list of questions. Which helps to collect data from field. This is generally filled in by enumerator, or the researcher, or the interviewer himself. He sits with the informant face to face and fills up the data sheet by asking him the questions. Sometimes he may help or assist the respondent to fill up the schedule.

In this context the enumerators, generally explain the aims and objects of the investigation and remove the difficulties which respondent may face in filling up the same or in understanding the interpretation of a question. As the researcher meets the respondents in person, he can talk to them, explain to them the utility of the study and thus he can get accurate and first-hand information through this method.

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Collection of Secondary Data

Secondary data can be obtained internally, i.e. within the organisation or externally i.e. from one or more outside agencies. These data should be used carefully. the sources of secondary data could be:

(a) Published Sources

Published sources refer to materials or information that have been made available to the public through established channels such as books, articles, newspapers, magazines, academic journals, websites, and other media. These sources have typically undergone a review process, editing, and fact-checking before being released to ensure their accuracy and credibility. Published sources are often used in research, journalism, and academic writing to support arguments, provide evidence, or convey information.

(b) Unpublished Sources

Sometimes, the government and non- government organisations or individuals do collect useful data on important topics but they are left unpublished. Such unpublished material can be obtained from office files, records, diaries of researcher etc. If such material is available it can prove to be much useful secondary data.

 Precautions in use of Secondary Data

Secondary data should be used very carefully and after complete checkup and verification. The scrutiny of the secondary data should be made to assess the suitability, reliability, adequacy and accuracy of the data to be compiled and to be used for the proposed study.

Conclusion to Collection of Data: Primary and Secondary

The pattern of business and industry in the modern times has become quite complex due to a variety of reasons. Therefore, any meaningful decision taken under such situations must be based on facts. This is done by collecting and analysing the appropriate data.

 Data are of two types

 (i) Primary data

(ii) Secondary data.

 Primary data are collected first time by the researcher or Organisation for using them. Whereas secondary data are those which have already been collected by some other agency but also can be used by Organisation or researcher under consideration. Primary data may be collected by observation, personal or telephonic interview, or by questionnaire method. Drafting of a good questionnaire requires utmost skill. The secondary data are available as published and unpublished documents. The secondary data should be scrutinized before use.