PRIMARY DATA

These data are collected first time as original data. These data are called raw
data.
For example, data obtained in a population census by the Registrar General
and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs is primary data.
Methods of Data Collection

Primary Data Collection
Observation Method

Schedule/Questionnaire Method
Personal Interview

Case Study Method

Survey Method

Field Study
Field Experiment
RRA & PRA

(1) Observation Method

This is the most commonly used method of data collection especially in
studies relating to behavioural sciences.
Accurate watching and noting of phenomenon as they occur in nature
with regard to cause and effect or mutual relation is called observation
method of data collection.

Characteristics of Observation Method

Direct Method: In observation method data collected through direct contact
with phenomenon under study. In this method sensory organs particularly
eye, ear, voices are used.
Source of primary data: This is a classical method for collection of primary
data.
Requires in-depth study: Here the observer goes to the field and make the
study of the phenomenon in an indepth fashion to acquire data.
Collection follows observation: In this method the investigator first of all
observes the things and then collects the data.
Selective and purposeful collection: The observations are made with definite
purpose. Collection of materials is done according to a particular purpose.


Merits of Observation Method

Common method: The method of observation is common to all the
disciplines of research.
Simplicity: This method is very simple to use.
Realistic: Since observation is based on actual and first hand experience, its
data are more realistic than the data of those techniques which used
indirect and secondary source of information.
Verification: For verification of hypothesis, we have to depend on
observation. Therefore, it can be said that the problem presents itself and
resolves itself through observation.
Limitation of Observation Method

Some observations cannot be treated as objects of observation: There
are certain events which may not occur at a definite time and cannot
be noticed for observation purpose. For example, it is not possible to
observe emotions and sentimental factors, likes and dislikes etc.
Slowness of investigation: The slowness of observation methods lead
to disheartening, disinterest among both observer and observed.
Expensive Methodology: Being a long drawn process, the technique of
observation is expensive.

(2) Personal Interview Method

Under this method of collecting data there is a face to face contact
with the persons from whom the information is to be obtained known
as informants.
The interviewer asks them questions regarding the survey and gathers
the desired information.
For example, if a person wants to collect data about the working
conditions of the workers of Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Mumbai. Then he
has to go to the Mumbai plant and ask question to the workers to
whom he has chosen as sample.
Characteristic of Interview Method


It is a close contact or interaction including dialogue between two or more
persons
There is a definite object of interview such as knowing the ideas and views
of others
There is a face to face contact between the individuals
Types of Interviews

1. Classification
Formal interview: In this type of interview, the interviewer presents
a set of well defined questions and notes down answers of
informants in accordance with prescribed rules.
Informal interview: In contrast with the formal interview the
interviewer has full freedom to make suitable alternations in the
questions to suit a particular situation in formal interviews.
.2. Classification according to the number: Another classification of
interview is according to the number of persons taking part in the
research process. Following are its main types:
Personal interview: In personal interview single interviewer is
interviewed. The personal interview helps to establish close personal
contacts between the interviewer and the interviewee and as a result
detailed information can be obtained.
Group interviews: Here two or more persons are interviewed at a
time. It is suitable to gather information in a group discussion and
cross check can be possible.

3. Classification according to the period of contact: The different types of problems
require different amount of time for contact with the respondents.
Short-contact interview: For filling-up schedules etc., a single sitting of small
duration is sufficient.
Prolonged Contact of interviews: In case of studies where case history method of
research is applied, the interview requires for a long duration to get accurate
information on the respondents.

4. Other Classification:
a. Paired Interview
b. Informal, Conversational Interview
c. Closed, Fixed Response Interview
d. Standardized, Open-ended Interview
e. Business Interview

Various Steps for Conducting Interview
Define the purpose of Interview
Execution of Specific Format
Script the Interview
Prepare the Respondents
Motivate the Respondents


Merits of the Method
Interviews are ideal for investigating personal, sensitive, or confidential
information which is unsuitable to cover in a group format.
This is also the best method for advertising pre-testing, where the
researcher is seeking individual interpretations and responses.

Demerits of the Method

A skilled interviewer can overcome this to a large degree, through the
establishment of good rapport and trust.

(3) Questionnaire Method

A questionnaire is a tool or device for securing answers to the set of
questions by the respondents who fills in the form of questionnaire
himself.
It is systematic compilation of questions that are submitted to a
sample of population from which information is desired.
The questions in a questionnaire are generally arranged in a sequence
depending on the nature of study and are capable of reply.
Schedule Method

The name schedule is usually applied to a performa containing a set of
questions which are asked and filled by an interviewer in a face to face
situation with a respondent.
Types of Schedules
Observation Schedule: Those schedules that are used in observation
research is called as observation schedule. In these schedules
observer records the activities and responses of a worker or a group
under specific conditions.
Rating Schedules: In the field of business guidance, psychological
research, and social research, the rating schedules are used to assess
the attributes, opinions, preferences and other qualitative elements.
Document Schedule: The schedules of this type are used to obtain
data regarding written evidence and case histories from diary, case
histories of the companies or Government records, etc.
Interview Schedule: In an interview schedule an interviewer presents
the questions of the schedule to interviewee and records their
responses.
Case Study Method
One of the important and frequently used methods in the area of
management and social sciences for the purpose of investigation is the case
study method.
It is a frequently used method of studying a person, a group of persons or
community.
Characteristics of Case Study Method
Comprehensive study of a unit: All aspects are studied deeply and
thoroughly.
It deals with both what and why aspect of the problem identified
It makes the individual unit into integrated whole.
In such a case, individual, family, institution or group is considered as a
unified whole.

Merits of Case Study
It helps in formulating hypothesis,
Possibility of intensive study
No need of using sampling techniques
Deeply narrates the subjective aspects of the problem

Demerits of the Method
Comparison is not possible
No method of checking

Social Survey Method
Social survey is one of the important methods of social investigation
conducted in a specific area and purpose. It helps in solving group or
problems of a group or community of course is confined to definite
geographical area.
Kinds of Social Survey
Regular or Ad hoc Survey: Census by Government of India & economic
survey by RBI, etc., are regular surveys.
Official and Non-official Survey: Survey by Government is official. Survey by
individual, organizations, municipalities, corporations and other
autonomous private bodies are non-official.
Direct or Indirect Survey: In those studies where primary data are collected
from the field is the nature of direct study whereas study that uses
secondary data are indirect.
Primary or Secondary Survey: In the primary survey, researcher involves
himself/herself in the field while in secondary one he/she depends on the
work of other researcher.
Personal or Impersonal Survey: Information collected from the person
himself/herself is personal and the information collected from other one on
behalf of the person is impersonal survey.
First or Repetitive Survey: When survey carried out in a particular area or on a
particular subject for the first time is called first or initial survey whereas
survey carried out again and again which is popularly called as repute.
Merits of Social Survey
With the help of social surveys it becomes possible to study a problem
thoroughly and deeply since the problems have been properly diagnosed,
therefore it has hope of effective result
The method is helpful for administrators and policy makers
With this method, the trend and direction of social changes are found out
Since the method uses more researchers, hence, bias are reduced to minimum.
Demerits of the Method
The method needs heavy fund.
There is no uniformity in the collection of data as is based on the
individual motive.
The method needs more time for result.
Unexpected difficulties may emerge while at work
Field Study
Field study becomes a scientific tool for the researcher to the extent that it
serves as a formulated research purpose, planned systematically, related to
move general theoretical analysis, recorded systematically and is subject to
checks and controls on validity and reliability.



Why Field Study

Explore the given area of Subject matter
Gain Insight into Subject Matter
Provide a base for development of hypothesis

Types of Study
Descriptive
Exploratory

What Should be Studied?

In highly-structured studies, the well formulated research problem or
hypotheses clearly point to what data will be most relevant.

But in exploratory studies which is mostly used in case of unstructured
observation, the researcher doesnt know in advance about the different
aspects of the situation will present.







How the information can be Recorded?
Two major Decisions
i. When notes be taken?
ii. How the notes be kept?
Researcher should be clear in his or her mind by pointing out who are
the participants, how many they are and how they are related to one
other.
He should understand the existing environment under investigation.
The climate conditions, respondents; appearance, the kind of behavior
expected, and the social character, etc. should be well scanned by the
researcher before going for field study.
The purpose which he has brought the subject participants together, the
nature and the purpose and how the goals of participants are related
etc.. Should be pronounced clearly.
The researcher must understand what participants are doing, how, with
whom and with what they are involved with.
In case of participant observer, he/she should attach emotionally with
the respondents.



Merits of the Method
The investigator becomes a member of the community being observed by him.
Since the community does not know the purpose of the research, it makes the
researcher to gather useful data as per his requirements.
The researcher involves himself/herself in the field, he/she becomes able to gather
deep knowledge.
In this method opinion of the respondents from the field are interpreted accurately
since there is no question of biasness or pressure emerges to suppress the truth.
Demerits of the Method
If the investigator has narrowed in the range of experience, this method
may not be an appropriate to choose as an ideal method for collecting
primary data.
Non-participant study makes the process of field study difficult.
It is difficult to overcome the problems which may surface in the field.
It is time consuming and needs more funds.
Field Experiment
Festinger, was of the opinion that, the experiment method experiments the
effect on a dependent variable due to the manipulation of an independent
variable.
Experiment studies the control over the subject of study and manipulation of
the independent variable to study the effect on dependent variable.
Types of Field Experiments
Trial and Error Experiment: This is an earliest form of experiment method.
Under this method, the researcher does not prepare a structured plan of
study.
Controlled Observation Study: This includes observation of the phenomena
under controlled conditions and therefore, comes closer to laboratory type of
experiment.
Natural Experiment: Natural experiment is otherwise known as the field
experiment since the experiment is conducted in the field in a natural setting.
Ex-post-facto Technique: This technique is generally used to study the varying
influence of two identical factors.
Laboratory Experiment: A laboratory experiment has been defined by
Festinger, as one in which the investigator creates an artificial situation with
the exact conditions that prevail in the field in which he/she has certain
controls on some variables and manipulates others.
Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) & Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
RRA emerged in the 1970s as a more efficient and cost-effective way of
learning by outsiders, particularly about agricultural systems, that was
possible by large-scale social surveys or brief rural visits by urban
professionals.
Participant Observer
Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA)
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
Participatory Action Research (PAR)
Techniques of Implementing PRA

Literature Review
Expert Observation
Semi-structured Interview
Analytical Game
Diagrams
Conclusion
In conclusion it can be said that among the various methods of data
collection i.e., observation method, personal interview, questionnaire,
schedule and case study, etc., as discussed above each method has its own
merits and usefulness based on the purpose of study.