Collection of Data

Study Action Plan (Sorted by Difficulty)
Sampling and Non-Sampling Errors
Accuracy: 50%
Total Attempted30
Total Correct15
Total Incorrect15
Difficulty Level:
Medium
Statistical Agencies and Data Sources
Accuracy: 50%
Total Attempted10
Total Correct5
Total Incorrect5
Difficulty Level:
Medium
Data Collection Methods
Accuracy: 69%
Total Attempted16
Total Correct11
Total Incorrect5
Difficulty Level:
Medium
Primary and Secondary Data
Accuracy: 71%
Total Attempted14
Total Correct10
Total Incorrect4
Difficulty Level:
Medium
Random and Non-Random Sampling
Accuracy: 79%
Total Attempted28
Total Correct22
Total Incorrect6
Difficulty Level:
Low
Census and Sample Surveys
Accuracy: 86%
Total Attempted37
Total Correct32
Total Incorrect5
Difficulty Level:
Low

Learning Objectives

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Learning Objectives

  • Understand the meaning and purpose of data collection.
  • Distinguish between primary and secondary sources of data.
  • Know the modes of data collection.
  • Differentiate between Census and Sample Surveys.
  • Familiarize with techniques of sampling.
  • Identify important sources of secondary data.

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Revision Notes & Summary

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Collection of Data

Introduction

  • Purpose of data collection: To show evidence for reaching a sound and clear solution to a problem.
  • Example: Fluctuations in food grain production over the years.

Types of Data

  • Primary Data: Based on first-hand information.
  • Secondary Data: Collected from existing sources.

Modes of Data Collection

  1. Personal Interviews:
    • Face-to-face interaction.
    • Advantages: Clarification of questions, personal contact.
    • Disadvantages: Expensive, time-consuming.
  2. Mailing Questionnaires:
    • Sent to individuals with a request to complete and return.
    • Advantages: Less expensive, access to remote areas.
    • Disadvantages: Low response rates, potential misunderstanding.
  3. Telephone Interviews:
    • Conducted over the phone.
    • Advantages: Cheaper, quicker, allows clarification.
    • Disadvantages: Limited access, potential for influencing responses.

Sampling Techniques

  • Census: Complete enumeration of the population.
  • Sample Surveys: A smaller group selected from the population.
    • Random Sampling: Every individual has an equal chance of selection.
    • Non-Random Sampling: Selection based on judgment or convenience.

Errors in Data Collection

  • Sampling Errors: Differences between sample estimates and population parameters.
  • Non-Sampling Errors: Arise from data acquisition issues, non-response, or bias.

Important Agencies for Data Collection

  • Census of India
  • National Sample Survey (NSS)
  • Central Statistics Office (CSO)

Conclusion

  • Data collection is essential for understanding and analyzing economic issues. The choice of data source and collection method depends on the study's objectives.
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Practice Test – MCQs, True/False

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Multiple Choice Questions

A.

Personal interviews

B.

Mailing questionnaires

C.

Telephone interviews

D.

Online surveys
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Mailing questionnaires are best suited for reaching respondents in remote areas as they do not require physical presence or telephone access.

Chapter Concept:

Data Collection Methods

A.

Convenience sampling

B.

Judgmental sampling

C.

Random sampling

D.

Quota sampling
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Random sampling ensures that each household in the locality has an equal chance of being selected, as it involves selecting samples at random without bias.

Chapter Concept:

Random and Non-Random Sampling

A.

A survey that includes every element of the population.

B.

A survey that includes a sample of the population.

C.

A survey conducted by telephone interviews.

D.

A survey that uses only secondary data.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

A census is a survey that includes every element of the population, known as complete enumeration.

Chapter Concept:

Census and Sample Surveys

A.

It is more accurate.

B.

It saves time and cost.

C.

It provides firsthand information.

D.

It is more reliable.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Secondary data saves time and cost as it is already collected and processed by another source.

Chapter Concept:

Primary and Secondary Data

A.

They allow for detailed, individualized responses.

B.

They are easy to use, score, and codify for analysis.

C.

They require less effort to write.

D.

They encourage respondents to provide unexpected answers.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Closed-ended questions are easy to use, score, and codify for analysis, making them efficient for surveys.

Chapter Concept:

Data Collection Methods

A.

Every individual has an equal chance of being selected.

B.

Selection is based on the researcher's judgment.

C.

It involves selecting samples from a specific subgroup.

D.

It is more time-consuming than non-random sampling.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Random sampling ensures that every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected, reducing bias.

Chapter Concept:

Random and Non-Random Sampling

A.

It provides comprehensive data.

B.

It requires a large number of enumerators and is expensive.

C.

It is conducted frequently, leading to data redundancy.

D.

It is less accurate than a sample survey.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A census requires a large number of enumerators and is expensive, making it a potential disadvantage.

Chapter Concept:

Census and Sample Surveys

A.

A census involves collecting data from every member of the population.

B.

A sample survey collects data from a selected group within the population.

C.

A census is more cost-effective than a sample survey.

D.

A sample survey is conducted every ten years.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

A census involves collecting data from every member of the population, while a sample survey collects data from a selected group.

Chapter Concept:

Census and Sample Surveys

A.

Random sampling

B.

Non-random sampling

C.

Census method

D.

Stratified sampling
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Non-random sampling is often used when detailed insights are needed from a specific subgroup, as it allows for targeted selection.

Chapter Concept:

Random and Non-Random Sampling

A.

It is time-consuming.

B.

It can lead to sampling bias.

C.

It requires a large sample size.

D.

It always provides accurate results.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Non-random sampling can lead to sampling bias as it involves judgment or convenience in selection.

Chapter Concept:

Random and Non-Random Sampling

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Collection of Data

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True or False

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Sampling bias occurs when some members of the population could not possibly be included in the sample, not when every individual has an equal chance of being selected.

Chapter Concept :

Sampling and Non-Sampling Errors

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Primary data is defined as data collected firsthand by the researcher through direct inquiry or observation.

Chapter Concept :

Primary and Secondary Data

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Non-sampling errors are more serious than sampling errors and cannot be minimized by simply increasing the sample size. They include biases and data acquisition errors.

Chapter Concept :

Sampling and Non-Sampling Errors

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Random sampling ensures that each member of the population has an equal probability of being chosen.

Chapter Concept :

Random and Non-Random Sampling

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Sampling errors refer to the difference between the sample estimate and the population parameter. Increasing the sample size can reduce the magnitude of sampling errors.

Chapter Concept :

Sampling and Non-Sampling Errors

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Non-random sampling involves bias or judgment in the selection process, making it inherently different from random sampling.

Chapter Concept :

Random and Non-Random Sampling

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Mailing questionnaires permit respondents to take their time to answer, which can lead to more thoughtful responses.

Chapter Concept :

Data Collection Methods

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

While increasing the sample size can reduce the magnitude of sampling errors, it cannot completely eliminate them.

Chapter Concept :

Sampling and Non-Sampling Errors

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Telephone interviews can be more suitable for respondents who may feel uncomfortable answering certain questions face-to-face.

Chapter Concept :

Data Collection Methods

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Sampling errors refer to the difference between the sample estimate and the population parameter, and they can be reduced by taking a larger sample.

Chapter Concept :

Random and Non-Random Sampling

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