Primary Data Collection Techniques: A Comprehensive Review

Common Methods for Primary Data Collection

Direct Personal Investigation

This method consists of the collection of data personally by the investigator. The investigator has to go to the field personally for making inquiries and soliciting information from the informant or respondents. This nature of investigation very much restricts the scope of the inquiry.

Key Characteristics:

• This technique is suited only if the inquiry is intensive rather than extensive.
• It should be used only if the investigation is generally local, confined to a single locality.
• Investigations require the personal attention of the investigator.
• They are not suitable for extensive studies where the scope of the investigation is very wide.
• The information gathered from such investigation is original in nature.

Indirect Oral Investigation

Indirect oral investigation is carried out when direct personal investigation is not practicable due to several reasons, including:

• Unwillingness or reluctance of the person to furnish the requisite information.
• The extensive nature of the inquiry.
• Direct sources of information being nonexistent or unreliable.

Such data on different problems are collected by contacting persons who are directly or indirectly concerned with the subject matter of the inquiry and who are in possession of the requisite information.

The method consists of the collection of data through enumerators appointed for the purpose. A small list of questions pertaining to the subject matter of the inquiry is prepared. These questions are then put to persons known as witnesses or informants who are in possession of such information, and their replies are recorded.

Information Received Through Local Agencies

In this method, the information is not collected formally by the investigator or the enumerator. This method consists of the appointment of local agents, commonly called correspondents, by the investigator in different parts of the field of inquiry.

These correspondents or agencies in different regions collect the information according to their own methods, preferences, and judgment, and then submit the reports periodically to the central or head office where the data is processed for final analysis.

Note: Since collection relies on the individual judgment of the local agent, consistency and standardization may be challenging.

Mailed Questionnaire Method

In this method, the questionnaire is the only medium of communication between the investigator and the respondent. Consequently, the most important factor for the success of the mailed questionnaire method is the skill, efficiency, care, and wisdom with which the questionnaire is framed.

Advantages:

• It is by far the most economical method in terms of time, money, and manpower, provided the respondents supply the information in time.
• This method is highly suitable for extensive inquiries covering a very wide area.

Schedules Sent to Enumerators

In this technique, enumerators are appointed and trained. They collect the information by personally reaching the respondents and filling out the prepared schedules (questionnaires) based on the answers received during the interview.