Primary data and Methods of collecting primary data

Data means collection of facts.it is also a statistical data with numeriacal statement of aggregates. They are obtained through properly organised statistical enquiries conducted by the investigators. Data can be collected  either from the primary sources or secondary sources.Accordingly they are called as primary and secondary data.

Primary data:- The data which are collected originally by an investigator or agency for the first time at first hand for any statistical investigation.

Prof. Werral define primary data as "Data originally collected in the process of investigation are known as a Primary Data.....

Merits:-
* Degree of Accuracy is High, reliable, depicts the data in great detail...
*Additional information can also be collected if necessary....
*primary data collections also includes certain terms & definitions which makes the data more accurate...

Demerits:-
* it requieres lot of time
*it is expensive
* it requires a lot of human labour,demands lot of skill, intelligence on the part of investigator...

In primary data collection, you collect the data yourself using methods such as interviews and questionnaires. The key point here is that the data you collect is unique to you and your research and, until you publish, no one else has access to it.
Methods of collecting Primary data:-

* Direct investigation/Personal investigation method
* Indirect personal invetigation
* Information through correspondents
* mailed questionnaire
* Telephone, TV, Internet & Teleconference etc....