4.2 I FUNDAMENTALS OF BUSINESS MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICSStatistical Representation of Data
data collected are known as primary data. Now in the data, except population information about age of
persons, education, income etc. are available. Now a separate department of the government or any
other private concern use these related data for any purpose, then the data will be known as secondary
data to them.
Data are primary to the collector, but secondary to the user.
Example.
For primary data :
(i) Reserve Bank of India Bulletin (monthly)
(ii) Jute Bulletin (monthly), (published by Govt. of India).
(iii) Indian Textile Bulletin (monthly).
(vi) Statement of Railway Board (yearly), (published by Ministry of Railway, Govt. of India).
For secondary data :
(i) Statistical Abstract of the Indian Union
(ii) Monthly Abstract of Statictics.
(iii) Monthly Statistical Digest.
(iv) International Labour Bulletin (monthly).
4.1.3.1. Primary Method :
The following methods are common in use :
(i) Direct Personal Observation : Under this method, the investigator collects the data personally. He has
to go to the spot for conducting enquiry has to meet the persons concerned. It is essential that the
investigator should be polite, tactful and have a sense of observation.
This method is applicable when the field of enquiry is small and there is an intention of greater accuracy.
This method however, gives satisfactory result provided the investigator is fully dependable.
(ii) Indirect Oral Investigation : In this method data are collected through indirect sources. Persons having
some knowledge regarding the enquiry are cross-examined and the desired information is collected.
Evidence of one person should bot be relied, but a number of views should be taken to find out real
position. This method is usually adopted by enquiry committees or commissions appointed by
governments or semi-government or private institutions.
(iii) Schedules and Questionnaires : A list of questions regarding the enquiry is prepared and printed. Data
are collected in any of the following ways :
(a) By sending the questionnaire to the persons concerned with a request to answer the questions
and return the questionnaire.
(b) By sending the questionnaire through enumerators for helping the informants.
(iv) Local Reports: This method does not imply a formal collection of data. Only local agents or
correspondents are requested to supply the estimate required. This method gives only approximate
results, of course at a low cost.
4.1.3.2. Secondary Method :
The main sources from which secondary data are collected are given below–
(i) Official publications by the Central and State Government, District Boards,
(ii) Reports of Committees, Commissions.