Data collection

in business
research

INTRODUCTION

The search for answer to research question is called

collection of data. Data are facts, and other relevant
materials, past and present serving as bases for study and
analyses. Some example of data are,
1. The types of loan secured by borrowers.
2. The items of Raw materials required for a product line.
The methods of data collection to be used for study.
The research should kept in mind two types of data.
3. Primary data.
4. Secondary data.

Primary data:
Primary data are those which are
collected afresh and for the first time, and thus
happen to be original in character.
Secondary data:
Secondary data on the other
hand, are those which have already been
collected by some one else and which have
already been passed through the statistical
process.

METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

There are various methods of data collection. The

important methods are:
Observation
Interviewing
Mail survey
Questionnaires
Project technique

OBSERVATION METHOD
The observation method is the most
commonly used method specially in studies
relating to behavioral sciences.
ADVANTAGE: [1]
This method is that
subjective bias is eliminated

[2]
Past behavior or
future intentions or attitudes

LIMITATION:

[1] Expensive

[2] information limited

INTERVIEW MATHOD :
The interview method of collecting data
involves presentation of oral- verbal stimuli
and reply in terms of oral-verbal responses.

QUESTIONNAIRES METHOD:
This method of data collation is quite
popular, particularly in case of big enquiries.

It is being adopted by private

individuals, research workers, private and
public organization and even by governments.

Some other methods of data

collation:
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]

Warranty cards
Distributors or store audits
Pantry audits
Consumer panels
Use of mechanical devices
Projective techniques
Depth interviews
Content analyses

COLLECTION OF SECONDARY
DATA:

1.REALIABILITY OF DATA
The reliability can be
tested by finding out such things about the
said data:
. [a] WHO COLLECTED THE DATA ?
. [b] What were the sources of data?
. [c] At what time were they collected?
. [d] were they collected by using proper
methods
.

[2] SUITABILITY OF DATA:

the data that are suitable for one enquiry may
not necessarily be found suitable in another
enquiry.

[3] ADEQUACY OF DATA:

The
already available data should be used by the
researcher only when he finds them reliable,
suitable and adequate.