Data Collection Methods and Sources

The study of the entire population to collect data. It's like counting every person in a country.

Collecting information from a smaller group of people (a sample) to represent the whole population.

Information collected for the first time by the researcher through methods like surveys or experiments. It's like you're gathering data directly from the source.

Information already collected and processed by others, like government reports, journal articles, or websites. It's like using someone else's research.

A question with a fixed set of answers, like multiple choice questions. It provides structured responses.

A question that allows respondents to give their own answers in their own words, providing more open and free-flowing information.

A trial run of a questionnaire using a small group to test its clarity and effectiveness. It's like a practice run before the main show.

A method of data collection where the researcher has face-to-face contact with the respondents, allowing for clarification and deeper understanding. It's like a direct conversation.

A method of data collection where questionnaires are sent via mail, allowing for reaching respondents in remote areas. It's like a letter carrying questions.

A method of data collection where questions are asked over the phone. It offers a quick and convenient way to gather information.

The difference between a sample statistic (like average income from a sample) and the corresponding population parameter (like the true average income of the whole population). It's like the margin of error between the estimator and the actual value.

Errors that are not related to the sample selection process, but arise during data collection, recording, or processing. It's like mistakes happening in the data gathering or analysis stage.

A type of non-sampling error where some members of the target population are excluded from the sample due to the sampling plan or design. It's like missing certain voices in the data.

A type of non-sampling error where respondents are unable to be contacted or refuse to participate in the survey. It's like missing data from those who don't answer.

A type of non-sampling error where mistakes are made in recording or transmitting the data, resulting in inaccurate information. It's like typos in the data.

A type of sampling where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample. It's like choosing randomly from a hat.

A type of sampling where the researcher uses their judgment or convenience to choose the sample. It's like picking friends for your research.

A collection of all the individuals or items that have a certain shared characteristic relevant to the study. It's like the whole group you want to learn about.

A smaller group of individuals or items selected from the population to represent the whole. It's like a smaller picture representing the bigger one.

A quantity that describes a characteristic of the population, for example, the average income of all people in a country. It's like a summary number for the whole group.

A quantity that describes a characteristic of the sample, for example, the average income of a group of people selected from a country. It's like a summary number for the chosen group.

The process of selecting a sample from a population. It's like choosing a smaller group to represent the larger one.

A situation where the sample doesn't accurately reflect the population, resulting in biased or misleading conclusions. It's like a distorted image not reflecting the true picture.

A method of selecting a random sample by assigning each individual a number and then using a random number generator to select a random subset. It's like drawing numbers from a hat.

A table of randomly generated numbers that helps to select a random sample. It's like a list of random numbers to guide your selection.

The most detailed and comprehensive demographic record of a country's population. It's like a complete picture of the population.

A national organization that conducts periodic surveys on socio-economic issues in India, providing valuable insights into the country's development. It's like taking regular snapshots of the country's well-being.

A type of non-sampling error that arises from mistakes in data collection, recording, or processing. It's like errors creeping into the data.

A type of non-sampling error where respondents are unavailable to participate in the survey. It's like missing data from those who don't answer.

A method of selecting a random sample where participants are randomly assigned to different groups, allowing researchers to study the effects of different treatments or conditions. It's like a controlled experiment where people are chosen randomly.

A variable that represents the characteristic of the population or sample being studied, for example, age, income, or height. It's like a characteristic you're measuring or studying.