Tag: collecting data

Secondary data is the second-hand information since the secondary  data is not collected or gathered by the user. It should be accurate, reliable and suitable. For example, government census report is a secondary data. Thus, secondary data that we originally collected at an earlier time by a different person for a different purpose. It is already published data.

Information received from local agencies method of collecting information is usually adopted by newspaper agencies. Information received from local agencies are primary data, but when it is adopted by newspaper agencies it becomes the secondary data.

Under questionnaire sent through enumerators method  of enquiry, the trained enumerators personally visits the informants and explain the objectives of enquiry, ask questions and record their replies. More reliable and accurate data can be obtained by this method since there is a face to face communication between the informants and the investigator.

Under indirect oral interview method of data collection, investigators collect data by contacting third-party or informants who are supposed to possess the information on the problem under investigation. This method is usually used when the sensitive questions are to be asked, such as questions regarding income, illegal activities, etc.

Under direct personal interview method of data collection, investigators personally visit the respondents, ask them questions pertaining to the enquiry and collect the desired information. By this method more accurate and reliable data can be obtained as there is face to face communication.

Primary data is the data, which is collected for the first time by investigators. It is also known as raw data. It is the first-hand information. It refers to the collection of data for a specific purpose. It is original in nature. Primary data is more reliable, accurate and adequate than the secondary data. it may be collected by direct personal interview, indirect oral interview and by information received from local agencies or correspondents.

Secondary data is the second-hand information since the secondary  data is not collected or gathered by the user. It should be accurate, reliable and suitable. For example, government census report is a secondary data. Thus, secondary data that we originally collected at an earlier time by a different person for a different purpose.

It is not possible for statistical data to be 100% accurate. Statistical facts can be affected by multiple causes, there is a lot of scope for error to be embedded in the data collected, one reason is that there may be biases on the part of the interviewer and/or the interviewee. Thus, large samples are taken to ensure reasonable degree of accuracy.

The source note is required if secondary data is used since secondary data is second-hand information. It is not collected directly by the user. Therefore, source not is required.

Under indirect interview method of data collection, investigators collect data by contacting third-party or informants who are supposed to possess the information on the problem under investigation. In case of rail accident, the appropriate method of data collection is by indirect interview.