Collection of Data — Economics STD 11 Commerce — Question

Primary data refers to the data collected by investigator himself.
Methods of Collection of Primary Data:
The primary data are collected by the following methods.

1. Direct personal investigation.
2. Indirect personal investigation.
3. Information through correspondents.
4. Telephonic Interviews.
5. Mailed Questionnaire Method.
6. Questionnaire filled by Enumerators.

Information from Correspondents: According to this method the collection of data is neither through the questionnaire nor through the enumerators but through the local correspondents. This method of collecting the data is not reliable and it should be used only at those places where the purpose the investigation is served by rough estimates.
Advantages:

1. It is very cheap and quick method of collecting data.
2. This method provides information on regular basis from distant places.
3. This method involves less labor and time.

Disadvantages:

1. In this method, correspondent may use any method of collecting data which investigator is relying on.
2. This method is not so reliable and accurate.
3. Data may be biased.
4. It lacks uniformity.

Suitability: This method is suitable when scope of enquiry is large and information is required on regular basis.