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Collection of Primary Data

The important methods of Primary data are:

  1. Observation
  2. Interviewing
  3. Schedules
  4. Questionnaire

Observation

Observation means viewing or seeing. We observe things while we are awake. Observation is a classical method of scientific inquiry

Observation may be defined as “a systematic viewing of a specific phenomenon in its proper setting for the specific purpose of gathering data for a particular study”. Observation as a method includes both seeing and hearing”

Characteristics of Observation
  1. It involves both mental and physical activity. The watching eyes pick up a lot of sighted items, but attention is paid to the information that is relevant to a particular study.
  2. Observation is selective. A researcher chooses the range of items to be examined based on the nature, scope, and aims of his study. He does not observe everything.
  3. Observation is not random; it is purposeful. It was created specifically to leave out study-related items.
  4. Observation captures the study. The social context in which a person's behavior occurs.
  5. Observation is based on standardized tools.
Types of Observation

With reference to the investigator’s role observation is classified into:

  1. Participants' observation
  2. Non-Participates Observation

 

Interviewing

One of the main techniques for gathering data is the interview. It frequently outperforms alternative data collection techniques. Generally speaking, people prefer speaking to writing.

“It may be defined as a two way systematic conversation b/w an investigator and an informant initiated for obtaining information relevant to a specific study”

Types of Interview
a) Structured or directive Interview

This interview was conducted according to a precise standard schedule. All respondents receive the same questions in the same sequence. In every interview, questions are posed in the exact same way. Large-scale formulated surveys use this style of interview.

The main advantages of the structured or directive interview is

  1. Data from one Interview to the next can be easily compared
  2. Recording and coding of data do not cause any problem.

The limitations of the Structured or directive Interview is

  1. It tends to loss spontaneity of conversation
  2. The respondents view is minimized.
b) Unstructured or Non-directive Interviews

Respondent to talk freely about a given topic and a pre-planned schedule is not used.

The main advantages of the unstructured or non-directive interview is

  1. It is similar to natural conversation
  2. It provides great opportunity to explore a problem.

The limitations of the unstructured or non-directive interview is

  1. The data is not comparable
  2. Time is wasted for unproductive conversation
c) Focused Interview

In this semi-structural interview, the investigator makes an effort to centre the conversation on the actual impact of a certain experience, taking into account the respondents' opinions, feelings, and/or circumstances. This needs expertise and training.

 

Schedules

Except for the fact that schedules are filled out by enumerators who are specifically trained for this purpose, this type of data collection is quite similar to the collecting of data using questionnaires. These enumerators and schedules visit respondents, present them with the performer's questions in the order they are specified, and record the replay in the Performa's designated place. For this system to work, enumerators must be chosen carefully and trained in order to fill the timetables. Enumerators need to be knowledgeable and capable of learning the truth. The enumerators should be truthful, honest, and diligent. This technique is highly helpful because it produces quality outcomes. This method is used to conduct population counts throughout the world.

Questionnaire

This method of data collection is highly popular, while doing detailed research. Private individuals, researchers, and even governments are implementing it. This strategy involves sending a questionnaire to the individuals in question and asking them to complete it and return it.

Numerous questions printed or typed in a specific order make up a questionnaire. Then it is mailed to the respondents, who are asked to read the questions, react, and then return with a written response. The questions must be answered independently by the respondents.

Advantages of Questionnaire

  1. There is a low cost even when the universe is large and it is widely spread geographically
  2. It is free from the bias of the interviewer answers are in respondents’ own words.
  3. The respondents have enough time to read and answer the questions.
  4. Respondents who are not easily approachable can also be reached conveniently.
  5. Large samples can be used; so the method is dependable and reliable.

Limitations of the Questionnaire.

  1. Low rate of return of duly filled questionnaire
  2. It is possible only in case of educated respondents.
  3. The control over the questions is lost once it is sent.
  4. There is inflexibility of questions.
  5. There is possibility of unclear answers.
  6. This method is a slowest one.