Data Completeness

The completeness refers to the actual coverage of the published data. This depends on the methodology and sampling design adopted by the original organization. Is the methodology sound? Is the sample size small or large?

Is the sampling method appropriate? Answers to these questions may indicate the appropriateness and adequacy of the data for the problem under study. The question of possible bias should also be examined.

Whether the purpose for which the original organization collected the data had a particular orientation? Has the study been made to promote the organization’s own interest? How the study was conducted? These are important clues. The researcher must be on guard when the source does not report the methodology and sampling design. Then it is not possible to determine the adequacy of the secondary data for the researcher’s study.

Self Assessment Questions

State whether following statements are true or false.

1. The sources of data may be classified into (a) primary sources and (b) secondary sources.

2. Primary data are first hand information collected through various methods such as observation, interviewing, mailing etc.

3. The secondary sources consist of readily compendia and already complied statistical statements and reports.

4. The important methods are observation, (b) interviewing, (c) mail survey, (d) experimentation, (e) simulation and projective technique.

8.7 Summary

Data are facts and other relevant materials, past and present, serving as bases for study and analyses. The data needed for a social science research may be broadly classified into (a) Data pertaining to human beings, (b) Data relating to organization and (c) Data pertaining to territorial areas.

Personal data or data related to human beings consists of: Demographic and socio-economic characteristics of individuals: Age, sex, race, social class, religion, martial status, education, occupation income, family size, location of the household life style etc.

Behavioural variables: Attitudes, opinions, awareness, knowledge, practice, intentions, etc. Organizational data consist of data relating to an organizations origin, ownership, objectives, resources, functions, performance and growth. Territorial data are related to geophysical characteristics, resource endowment, population, occupational pattern infrastructure degree of development, etc. of spatial divisions like villages, cities, taluks, districts, state and the nation. Data form the basis for testing the hypothesis formulated in a study. Data also provide the facts and figures required for constructing measurement scales and tables. The sources of data may be classified into (a) primary sources and (b) secondary sources.

Primary data are first hand information collected through various methods such as observation, interviewing, mailing etc. The secondary sources consist of readily compendia and already complied statistical statements and reports. Finally secondary sources are not limited in time and space.

That is, the researcher using them need not have been present when and

where they were gathered. Secondary data, if available can be secured quickly and cheaply.

Wider geographical area and longer reference period may be covered without much cost. Thus, the use of secondary data extends the researcher’s space and time reach. The use of secondary data broadens the data base from which scientific generalizations can be made. The use of a secondary data has its own limitations. The most important limitation is the available data may not meet our specific needs. The secondary data are not up-to-date and become obsolete when they appear in print, because of time lag in producing them. Primary data are directly collected by the researcher from their original sources. There are various methods of data collection. A ‘Method’ is different from a ‘Tool’ while a method refers to the way or mode of gathering data, a tool is an instruments used for the method.

For example, a schedule is used for interviewing. The important methods are (a) observation, (b) interviewing, (c) mail survey, (d) experimentation, (e) simulation and projective technique.

8.8 Terminal Questions 1. What are the types of data?

2. What are the primary sources of data?

3. What are the sources of secondary sources?

4. How is secondary data useful to researcher?

5. What are the advantages of secondary data?

6. Describe the disadvantages of secondary data.

7. What are the criteria used for evaluation of secondary data?

8.9 Answers to SAQs and TQs

SAQs 1. True 2. True 3. True 4. True

TQs

1. Section 8.0 2. Section 8.1 3. Section 8.4 4. Section 8.4.2 5. Section 8.5 6. Section 8.6 7. Section 8.6

Unit 9 Observation

Structure:

9.1 Meaning of Observation Objectives

9.2 General Characteristics of Observation Method 9.3 Process of Observation

9.4 Types of Observation

9.4.1 Participant Observation 9.4.2 Non-participant Observation 9.4.3 Direct Observation

9.4.4 Indirect Observation 9.4.5 Controlled Observation 9.4.6 Uncontrolled Observation 9.5 Prerequisites of Observation 9.6 Advantages of Observation 9.7 Limitations of Observation

9.8 Use of Observation in Business Research Self Assessment Questions

9.9 Summary

9.10 Terminal Questions

9.11 Answers to SAQs and TQs 9.1 Meaning of Observation

Observation means viewing or seeing. 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 is classical method of scientific study.

Objectives:

After studying this lesson you should be able to understand:

 General characteristics of observation method

 Process of observation

 Types of observation

 Participant Observation

 Non-participant observation

 Direct observation

 Indirect observation

 Controlled observation

 Uncontrolled observation

 Prerequisites of observation

 Advantages of observation

 Limitations of observation

 Use of observation in business research

9.2 General Characteristics of Observation Method

Observation as a method of data collection has certain characteristics.

1. It is both a physical and a mental activity: The observing eye catches