GEM 804 – Advance Engineering Statistics

Methods of Collecting Data

2 TYPES OF DATA COLLECTED :

A.Quantitative Data
B.Qualitative Data
 Methods of Collecting Data
1.Census
2.Sample Survey
3.Experiment
4.Observational
Study
1.CENSUS

- study that obtains data from

every member of a
population.
- can be very expensive and
time-consuming, if the
population is large.
2. SAMPLE SURVEY

- is a study that obtains data

from a subset of a population,
in order to estimate population
attributes.
- Sample surveys are cheaper
than censuses, but are not as
accurate. 
Sample Survey Examples

• Questionnaire

• Interviews
 3. EXPERIMENT

-is a data collection method where you as a researcher

change some variables and observe their effect on other
variables.
-The researcher controls how members are placed study
groups and which treatment each group receives.
4.OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

-is about the same as an experiment.

However, the researcher does not
use control groups or assign
treatments.
 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

Advantages : Disadvantages :
• Provides direct information •Potential to overlook meaningful
• Provides current Information aspects

• Subjective •Potential for misinterpretation

•May require training
• Easy to complete, saves time
• Can learn about things people may be
unwilling to talk about
Example for Observational Study
Example for Observational Study