Steps involved in a Statistical Research Project

Collection of Data:

Ø    Primary Data

Ø    Secondary Data

 

Sampling:

Ø    Concept of Sampling

Ø    Non-Random Versus Random Sampling

Ø    Simple Random Sampling

Ø    Other Types of Random Sampling

As far as the objectives of your research are concerned, they should be stated in such a way that you are absolutely clear about the goal of your study ---

EXACTLY WHAT IT IS THAT YOU ARE TRYING TO FIND OUT?

As far as methodology for DATA-COLLECTION is concerned, we need to consider:

• Source of your data
    (the statistical population)
• Sampling Methodology
• Instrument for collecting data

COLLECTION OF DATA

The most important part of statistical work is perhaps the collection of data.    

Primary and Secondary Data

Primary Data

Data that have been originally collected (raw data) and have not undergone any sort of statistical treatment, are called PRIMARY data.

Secondary Data

Data that have undergone any sort of treatment by statistical methods at least ONCE, i.e. the data that have been collected, classified, tabulated or presented in some form for a certain purpose, are called SECONDARY data.

COLLECTION OF PRIMARY DATA

One or more of the following methods are employed to collect primary data:

i)             Direct Personal Investigation.    

ii)            Indirect Investigation.

iii)           Collection through Questionnaires.

iv)           Collection through Enumerators.

v)            Collection through Local Sources.

DIRECT PERSONAL  INVESTIGATION

In this method, an investigator collects the information personally from the individuals concerned. Since the information collected is generally considered quite accurate and complete.

INDIRECT  INVESTIGATION

Sometimes the direct sources do not exist or the informants hesitate to respond for some reason or other. In such a case, third parties or witnesses having information are interviewed.

                COLLECTION THROUGH QUESTIONNAIRES

A questionnaire is an inquiry form comprising of a number of relevant questions with space for entering information asked.

The questionnaires are usually sent by mail, and the informants are requested to return the questionnaires to the investigator after doing the needful within a certain period.

This method is cheap, fairly expeditious and good for extensive inquiries.

COLLECTION THROUGH ENUMERATORS

Under this method, the information is gathered by employing trained enumerators who assist the informants in making the entries in the schedules or questionnaires correctly.

COLLECTION THROUGH  LOCAL SOURCES

In this  method, there is no formal collection of data but the agents or local correspondents are directed to collect and send the required information, using their own judgment as to the best way of obtaining it.

COLLECTION OF SECONDARY DATA

The secondary data may be obtained from the following sources:

i)             Official, e.g. the publications of the Statistical Division, Ministry of Finance, the Federal and Provincial Bureaus of Statistics, Ministries of Food, Agriculture, Industry, Labour, etc.

ii)            Semi-Official, e.g., Banks, Railway Board, Central Cotton Committee, Boards of Economic Inquiry, District Councils, Municipalities, etc.

     iii)            Publications of Trade Associations, Chambers of Commerce, etc.

iv)          Technical and Trade Journals and Newspapers.

      v)            Research Organizations such as universities, and other institutions.