Research: Methods of collecting Primary data !

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Methods of collecting primary Data

Primary data are those data which are collected afresh and for the first time, and thus happens to be original in character. Basically the primary source of collecting data can be broadly categorized into three forms: mail questionnaires, interviews and observations.

Questionnaire

A questionnaire is a formal lists of questions designed to gather responses from the respondents on a given topic. Thus, a well designed questionnaire is an efficient data collecting mechanism when the researcher knows exactly what is required and how to measure the variables of interest. A questionnaire translates the research objective into specific questions. The answers to these questions provide the relevant data for the hypotheses testing.

Types of Questionnaires:

Questionnaires can be classified into two categories:

1. Self-administered Questionnaires:

• Online questionnaire

• Mail(postal) questionnaire

• Delivery and collection questionnaire

2. Interviewer A administration

• Telephone questionnaire

• Interview schedules


Components of Questionnaire

Basically the components of questionnaire have been categorized into three forms: explanation information, basic information and classification information. This information normally appears in the order lists.

1. Explanation Information:

The researcher provides the information to respondent explaining the purposes of the study. This information is normally given at the beginning of the questionnaires as instructions to respondents along with the polite request in order to help providing the needy and relevant information. It explains the purposes of the study, makes an appeal for responses, and provides information for completing the questionnaires properly. The explanation information should contain the researcher introduction, his/her position, occupation and the institution whereby he/she belongs from.

2. Basic Information:

The basic information is that part of information which is required to solve the problems under investigation. It helps researcher to arrive at the final conclusion through the questionnaires collected from the respondents. This part of questionnaires covers all the necessary information or subjects under investigation.

3. Classification of Information:

Classification information is closely related with the personal information of the researcher. Basically the demographic information should not be incorporated at the beginning of the questionnaires so as to avoid the tediousness to the respondents. Most of the commonly gathered information include:
(a) age, (b) gender, (c) education, (d) marital status, (e) family income,  (f) Occupation and so on


Interviews

Types of Research Interviews

Basically there are two types of research interview:

1. One-to-one interview:

• Face-to-face interviews

• Telephone interviews

2. One- to- many interviews

• Focus group interviews