Question

Write explanatory notes on

I) Questionnaire sent through enumerator.

II) Types of sampling.

III) Demerits of an interview.

IV) Sources of secondary data method.

Answer 1

I) When the questionnaire is sent via an enumerator, it is known as the enumerator’s method of collecting data. In this method, the enumerator himself approaches the informants with the questionnaire and based on their response, fills up the questionnaire. This method is much more reliable than the mailing method of questionnaire, as the enumerator himself asks the questions and fills the questionnaire in an appropriate manner. In this way, there are less chances of the questionnaire getting lost or being left incomplete.

II) There are two types of sampling: random sampling and deliberate sampling.
Random sampling: In random sampling, the items in the sample are chosen at random. In other words, the selection of items in the sample is purely based on chance or on the concept of probability. So, all the components get an equal chance to get selected in the sample. Random sampling is also known as sampling by chance.
Deliberate sampling: In deliberate sampling the items from the population are chosen as per the discretion of the investigator. As against the random sampling, in case of deliberate sampling each item in the population does not have an equal chance of being selected in the sample. Accordingly, this kind of sampling is also known as sampling by choice.

III) The following are some of the demerits of an interview.
a. As an interview is taken directly by the researcher, there exists a chance of personal bias on the part of the researcher.
b. This method of collecting data involves huge cost in terms of money and effort of the researcher, as he is required to conduct the interview himself.
c. It is an unsuitable method if the field of investigation or study is quite large.

IV) When the information is collected from a source that already possesses the required information, the source is known as secondary source. The following are the two sources of secondary data.
i. Published sources are in the form of reports and newspapers that are provided by government publications, private publications and foreign publications. For instance, Reserve Bank of India Bulletin, Indian trade journals are published sources of data.
ii. Unpublished sources include private records of scholars and research institutes. Sometimes, the data collected by the government or other organisations remain unpublished. Such data can also be used as secondary source of information.