Unit 2: Statistical Enquiry

Definition:-
By statistical enquiry or survey we mean a search for the collection of
facts of a given problem. The collected numerical facts are the raw materials
through which the problem is to be studied. The relevant collection of information
by any agency to tackle a particular problem under study is termed as statistical
enquiry or survey. It consists of two stages

1. Planning and design of enquiry.

2. Executing the survey or design.

1. Planning and design of enquiry:

At this stage it seems that the collection of data is the first step for any
statistical enquiry. But in a well-planned enquired data collection. The following
are to be need in lawful consideration:
a. Object of an enquiry:
Statistical investigation may be conducted to serve the general purpose or
special purpose. Its object should be clearly defined; the enquiry must be
properly conducted with minimum possible waste of time, energy and
money.
b. Scope:
The scope of enquiry should be decided with reference to the space, time
and the number of items to be covered. If the scope is not determined
unnecessary data may be collected and necessary data may be neglected.
c. Statistical unit:
The investigators must determine the units in terms of which the data has to
be collected. A unit of measurement must be defined so that uniformity can
be maintained throughout the process of enquiry. It can be classified into.
i. Unit for collection of data.
ii. Units for statistical analysis and interpretation.
d. Sources of data:
The two sources of information are primary and secondary.
a. Primary data :
The data collected for the first time is known as primary
data and it can be collected through
1. Director personal interview
2. Indirect interview.
3. Information through agencies.
b. Secondary data :
 These data are already collected by someone and available
for the present study. The various sources of secondary data are.
1. Published sources.
2. Unpublished sources.
e. Method of data collection :
The two methods of data collection are:
1. Census method or complete enumeration method.
2. Sample method or partial enumeration method
If all the units of the universe under study are considered it is called
census enquiry.
If only a representation part of the universe is considered it is called
sample enquiry.
f. Frame :
A list of all units under study is known as frame, it is important to
identify the unit which constitute population.
g. Standard of accuracy:
It should be maintained in the desired enquiry and it should be planned
accuracy desired depends upon the scope if the enquiry.
h. Type of enquiry:
There are other considerations as to the type of enquiry to be undertaken-
confidential or non-confidential, direct or indirect, census or sample etc.

2. Executing the survey:

To conduct the enumeration we have to do proper selection of enumerators
and give training to them. Their work is also closely watched by the supervisors,
the collected data are handed over to the office. In office the data is converted and
processed by analysing the data into the form of a report which is ready for
publication.
1. Setting up of administrative team:
An administrative organisation is needed for an enquiry and the
size of the organisation depends on the nature and scope of enquiry. If
the area is wide and covers a large geographical area, regional offices
may be set up apart from central office. If the enquiry is limited to a
small area no sub offices may be needed.
2. Design and form of questionnaire :
The drafting of a schedule or questionnaire is an art. It is the
medium of communication between the investigator and the
respondents. Therefore it should be designed with care and caution.
There is no hard and fast rule in designing forms.
3. Selection of and training of field investigators:
 The success of survey depends on the work of enumerators.
Therefore they are properly selected and thoroughly trained for the
field work. Constant supervision is essential to see that the result is off
higher order. Enumerators must first understand the purpose of study
and the conduct of work. The respondent should not be annoyed by
irrelevant talks but the success of survey depends on the ability of the
enumerators who has patience, knack, pleasing habit at the field of
work.

4. Supervision of field work:

A team consisting of supervisor and a group of enumerators
work in the field. A constant check by the supervisor ensures
accuracy. Generally the field of checks are done on a random basis.
The system or the method of field check-up should be kept secret to
be more effective.
5. Follow-up of non-responses:
There may be respondence who do not supply desired
information, there must be a proper scheme to deal with such non-
response or non- availability of respondence. The respondence may
again be conducted.
6. Processing and analysis of data:
A thorough check-up is done here. The data generally coded
transferred to cards or tapes/cd with the help of punching machines or
computers. This operation is important and so great caution is
required. Most of the work is tabulated by computers, use of
computers save time and energy.
7. Preparation of report:
After the data has been analysed generally a report is drafted to
show the findings of the survey. It is the final step in execution. The
findings or the results of the investigation are given authority in the
form of the paper or as the report.

SAMPLING DESIGN
Population:
The population is a possible observation of the time which is to be
investigated. The term population does not refer to people but in technical term is
used to describe the complete group of persons or objects for which the y
Example: if we want to study the average weight of the students of the college
where 800 students are studying the population is 800 students.
Types of population:
1. Finite and infinite population.
2. Hypothetical and existent population.

1. Finite population:
When the no. of observation can be counted it is called as finite
population.
Example: If we study the economic background of students of a college say
X all the students belonging to that college will constitute the population and
the member will be finite.
Infinite population:
When the no. of observation cannot be measured and is infinite then it
is an infinite population.
Example: the no. of stars in the sky, the no. of people watching a particular
television in the whole universe.
2. Existent population:
A universe containing persons or concrete objects is known as existent
or real population.
Example: the no. of students in the university, the number of population of
the city, the no. of population in the employee
Hypothetical population:
A hypothetical universe which is also known as theoretical
population. It is the one which does not consist of concrete objects.
Example: If we toss a coin infinite no. of times it is a hypothetical
population.

Information or population can be collected in two ways:

1. Census method.
2. Sample method.

1. Census method:
In census or universal coverage every element of the population is
included in the investigation where we make a complete enumeration of all
items in the population it is known as census method.
Example: if study the average expenditure of a particular university say X
and if there are 50000 students studying in that university we must study the
expenditure of all 50000 students. This method is known as census method.
Merits:
a. The data are collected from each and every item of the population.
b. The results are more accurate and reliable.
 c. Intensive study is possible.
d. The data collected may be used for various surveys, analyses etc.
Demerits:
a. It requires a large number of enumerators.
b. It is a costly method.
c. It requires more money, labour, time, energy etc.
d. It is not possible when the universe is infinite.
2. Sample method:
In our daily life we have been using sampling without knowing about
it.
Example: a homemaker tests a small quantity of rice to see whether it has
been well cooked. But will not inspect the all the rice therefore in this
method only a part of group of population will be studied in the case of
sample enquiry.
Merits:
a. It saves time when the results are urgently required.
b. It reduces cost since few items are selected for sampling.
c. It has administrative convenience and more scientific.
d. The degree of accuracy in this method is higher than census h and every
unit method.
SAMPLING METHODS

➢ Methods of sampling:
1. Random sampling method:
a. Sample or unrestricted method.
b. Restricted or stratified method.
• Stratified sampling
• Systematic sampling
• Cluster sampling
2. Non-random sampling:
a. Judgement or purposive sampling
b. Quota sampling
c. Convenience sampling.

1. Random sampling method:

A random sample is one where each item in the universe has an equal
chance of known opportunity of being selected “A random sample is a sample
selected in such a way that any item in the population has equal chance of being
included”.
• Sample- simple random sampling
 It is the technique in which sample is so drawn that each and every
unit in the population has an equal and independent chance of being
included in sample. The two methods adopted are:
▪ Lottery method
▪ Table of random numbers
Merits:
1. More scientific.
2. More representation.
3. Sampling error can be measured.
Demerits:
1. When the distribution is large this method cannot be used.
2. If the sample size is small, then it does not represent population.
• Restricted random sampling
When the population is having difficult segments with respect to the
variable under study then it is stratified sampling. First the population is
divided into two sub-groups and a sample is drawn from it. There are two
types of stratified sampling:
▪ Proportional sampling
▪ Non proportional sampling
Merits
1. It ensures greater accuracy.
2. It is easy to administer and sub-divide.
Demerits
1. It requires more money, time and statistical experience.

• Systematic sampling:
It is also known as quasi random sampling. A systematic sample is
selected at random. When a complete list of population is available this
method is used, we average the items in numerical, geographical or
alphabetical.
Merits
1. It is simple and convenient.
2. The items and work is much reduced.
Demerits
1. It may not represent the whole population.
2. There is the element of personal bias of investigators.
• Cluster sampling:
It is also known as multi stage sampling. It refers to sampling
procedure which is carried out in several stages, the whole population is
 divided into sampling units and these units are again divided into
subunits.This process will continue when we reach the least number.
Merits:
1. It introduces flexibility in the sampling method.
2. It is helpful in large scale survey and time consuming or expensive.
3. It is valuable in under developed countries.
Demerits:
1. It is less accurate than other models.

2. Non random sampling:

• Judgement sampling:
The investigator has the power to select or reject any item
investigation; the choice of the sample items depends on the judgement of
the investigator. He has the role to play in collecting information.
Merits
1. It is simple method.
2. It is used to obtain a more representative sample.
3. It is helpful to make public policy decision.
Demerits
1. Due to individual sample bias it may not be a representative one.
2. It is difficult to get correct sampling errors.
3. The estimates are not accurate.
4. Its results cannot be compared with other sampling studies.
• Quota sampling:
This sampling is similar to stratified sampling. It is used in USA for
investigating public opinion and consumer research. To collect data the
universe is divided into quota according to some good characteristics. Each
enumeration is then told to interview a certain number of persons who are in
quota. The selection of sample item depends on the personal judgement.

Merits:
1. It saves time and money. 2. It will give quite reliable results.
Demerits:
1. Personal prejudice and individual bias are there.
2. Sampling error cannot be determined.
• Convenience sampling:
The other name is “chunk” sampling. It is a convenient slice of
population which is commonly referred to as a sample. It is obtained by
selecting convenient population unit.
Merits
 1. It is suitable when the universe is not clearly defined.
2. Sample unit is not clear.
3. Complete source list is not available.
Demerits
1. The result cannot be representative.
2. They are unsatisfactory.
3. They are bias.

Meaning of Data :
Data is a set of values of subjects with respect to qualitative or quantitative
variables. Data and information or knowledge are often used interchangeably;
however data becomes information when it is viewed in context or in post-
analysis.Data is measured, collected and reported, and analyzed, whereupon it can
be visualized using graphs, images or other analysis tools. Data as a general
concept refers to the fact that some existing information or knowledge is
represented or coded in some form suitable for better usage or processing.
Types of Data :
1) Primary data
2) Secondary data

1) Primary Data : Primary data means original data that has been collected
specially for the purpose in mind. It means someone collected the data from
the original source first hand. Data collected this way is called primary data.
The people who gather primary data may be an authorized organization,
investigator, enumerator or they may be just someone with a clipboard.
Those who gather primary data may have knowledge of the study and may
be motivated to make the study a success. These people are acting as a
witness so primary data is only considered as reliable as the people who
gathered it.

Sources of Primary Data :

The sources of primary data are primary units such as basic experimental
units, individuals, households. Following methods are used to collect data
from primary units usually and these methods depends on the nature of the
primary unit. Published data and the data collected in the past is called
secondary data.
1. Personal Investigation : The researcher conducts the experiment or
survey himself/herself and collected data from it. The collected data is
generally accurate and reliable. This method of collecting primary data is
feasible only in case of small scale laboratory, field experiments or pilot
 surveys and is not practicable for large scale experiments and surveys
because it take too much time.
2. Through Investigators : The trained (experienced) investigators are
employed to collect the required data. In case of surveys, they contact the
individuals and fill in the questionnaires after asking the required
information, where a questionnaire is an inquiry form having a number of
questions designed to obtain information from the respondents. This
method of collecting data is usually employed by most of the
organizations and its gives reasonably accurate information but it is very
costly and may be time taking too.
3. Through Questionnaire : The required information (data) is obtained by
sending a questionnaire (printed or soft form) to the selected individuals
(respondents) (by mail) who fill in the questionnaire and return it to the
investigator. This method is relatively cheap as compared to “through
investigator” method but non-response rate is very high as most of the
respondents don’t bother to fill in the questionnaire and send it back to
investigator.
4. Through Local Sources : The local representatives or agents are asked to
send requisite information who provide the information based upon their
own experience. This method is quick but it gives rough estimates only.
5. Through Telephone : The information may be obtained by contacting the
individuals on telephone. Its a Quick and provide accurate required
information.
6. Through Internet : With the introduction of information technology, the
people may be contacted through internet and the individuals may be
asked to provide the pertinent information. Google survey is widely used
as online method for data collection now a day. There are many paid
online survey services too.

2) Secondary Data : Secondary data is data that has been collected for another
purpose. When we use Statistical Method with Primary Data from another
purpose for our purpose we refer to it as Secondary Data. It means that one
purpose's Primary Data is another purpose's Secondary Data. Secondary data
is data that is being reused. Usually in a different context.

Sources of Secondary Data :

The secondary data may be available from the following sources:
 1. Government Organizations : Federal and Provincial Bureau of Statistics,
Crop Reporting Service-Agriculture Department, Census and
Registration Organization etc.
2. Semi-Government Organization : Municipal committees, District
Councils, Commercial and Financial Institutions like banks etc.
3. Teaching and Research Organizations
4. Research Journals and Newspapers
5. Internet

Questionnaire:
It is the media of communication between investigator and the responder.
The success of investigator depends on construction of the questionnaire.

Point to be followed while forming a questionnaire:

1. The questionnaire should be brief.
2. The questions be simple understand.
3. Questions should be logically.
4. There must be choice like simple alternative questions, multiple choice
and specific information questions.
5. Proper words be should be used in questionnaire.
6. Questions of a sensitive and personal nature should be avoided.
7. Necessary instruction should be given to informanent.
8. Questions related to mathematical calculations should not be asked.
9. Questions must be capable of an objective answer.
10. A questionnaire should look attractive.
11. Pre-testing the questionnaire must be done before posting it.
12. The accuracy of questionnaire must be judged.

Pre- cautions required in the use of a questionnaire:

1. The person conducting the survey must introduce himself.
2. The aim and objective of the enquiry should be known to informants.
3. The number of questions should be restricted to the minimum. A reasonable
questionnaire may be 20-25 questions.
4. Instruction for filling the questionnaire should be given.
5. The questions should be attractive and intresting through proper layout.
6. The questionnaire should be pre-tested to find out its short comings if any.
7. Questions of personal matter should be asked carefully.