Chapter-3: Collection of Data

Collecting data is a critical step in any research process. This chapter will explore the methods of data collection, focusing on questionnaires, schedules, and pilot surveys. We will also discuss the concept of outliers. Each section includes detailed explanations and examples relevant to India.

 1. Questionnaire and Its Basic Characteristics

Definition of Questionnaire

 A questionnaire is a set of written questions used to collect information from respondents. It is commonly used in surveys and research studies.

 

Basic Characteristics of a Questionnaire

 Structured Format: The questions are presented in a specific order.

 Written Form: The questions are provided in writing, either on paper or electronically.

 Predetermined Questions: The questions are prepared in advance.

 Standardization: All respondents receive the same set of questions.

 Objective Responses: The responses are often in the form of multiplechoice, yes/no, or rating scales to facilitate quantitative analysis.

 

Examples:

 A market research firm in India using a questionnaire to understand consumer preferences for a new product.

 A government health survey using a questionnaire to gather information about public health issues in rural India.

 

 2. Definition of Schedule and Pilot Survey

 

Definition of Schedule

 A schedule is similar to a questionnaire but is administered by an interviewer. The interviewer records the responses provided by the respondents.

 

Characteristics of Schedule:

 Interviewer Involvement: An interviewer asks the questions and records the answers.

 Personal Interaction: It involves facetoface interaction between the interviewer and the respondent.

 Flexibility: The interviewer can clarify questions if the respondent does not understand them.

 Depth of Information: It allows for more detailed and indepth responses.

 

Examples:

 A government census worker using a schedule to collect demographic data from households in India.

 A social researcher conducting a field study using a schedule to understand the living conditions of slum dwellers in an Indian city.

 

Definition of Pilot Survey

 A pilot survey is a smallscale trial run of the main survey conducted to test the effectiveness of the questionnaire or schedule. It helps identify any issues or problems that need to be addressed before the fullscale survey is launched.

 

Characteristics of Pilot Survey:

 Trial Run: It is conducted on a smaller sample size.

 Testing: It tests the clarity, reliability, and validity of the questions.

 Feedback: It gathers feedback from respondents and interviewers.

 Revision: It allows for adjustments and improvements to the questionnaire or schedule.

 

Examples:

 A pilot survey conducted in a few villages in India to test a health questionnaire before rolling it out nationwide.

 An educational researcher conducting a pilot survey in a few schools to refine questions about student learning habits.

 

 3. Designing a Questionnaire and Schedule

 

Designing a Questionnaire

 Identify Objectives: Clearly define the purpose of the survey and what information is needed.

 Define Target Population: Determine who will be surveyed.

 Question Types: Decide on the types of questions (e.g., openended, closedended, multiplechoice).

 Question Wording: Ensure questions are clear, concise, and unbiased.

 Logical Order: Arrange questions in a logical sequence, starting with easier questions and progressing to more complex ones.

 Pilot Testing: Conduct a pilot survey to test the questionnaire and make necessary adjustments.

 

Steps to Design a Schedule:

 Define Objectives: Clearly state the goals of the schedule.

 Select Interviewers: Choose trained and knowledgeable interviewers.

 Prepare Questions: Write clear and concise questions.

 Pretest: Conduct a pretest to identify any issues.

 Train Interviewers: Provide training to interviewers on how to administer the schedule.

 Revise and Finalize: Make necessary revisions based on pretest feedback and finalize the schedule.

 

Examples:

 Designing a questionnaire to study the shopping habits of urban consumers in India.

 Creating a schedule to interview farmers about their agricultural practices in different regions of India.

 

 

 

 4. Concept of Outliers

 

Definition of Outliers

 Outliers are data points that are significantly different from the other data points in a dataset. They can occur due to variability in the data, measurement errors, or experimental errors.

 

Characteristics of Outliers:

 Extreme Values: They lie far away from the main cluster of data points.

 Influence on Analysis: Outliers can skew the results of statistical analysis and affect the accuracy of conclusions.

 Identification: Outliers can be identified using statistical methods such as the interquartile range (IQR) method or standard deviation.

 

Examples:

 In a survey of household incomes in an Indian city, an income value that is significantly higher or lower than the rest could be an outlier.

 In a study of students' test scores, a score that is much lower or higher than the rest could be an outlier.

 

 

 

 Illustrations with Examples

 

1. Questionnaire Example:

    A survey conducted to understand the dietary habits of people in different states of India.

 

2. Schedule Example:

    An interviewer visiting households to collect data on access to clean drinking water in rural India.

 

3. Pilot Survey Example:

    Testing a health questionnaire in a small community before conducting a larger national health survey.

 

4. Outliers Example:

    Identifying outliers in a dataset of exam scores from students in different schools to ensure accurate analysis.

 

 

 

 References

 

1. "Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques" by C.R. Kothari.

2. "Survey Methods and Practices" by Statistics Canada.

3. Government of India Census Reports.

4. "Data Analysis with SPSS" by Stephen Sweet and Karen GraceMartin.

5. "Statistics for Business and Economics" by Paul Newbold, William L. Carlson, and Betty Thorne.

6. Journal articles and publications from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).