Class 11 Economics Chapter 2 Question Answer | Collection of Data | English Medium

Class 11 Economics Chapter 2 Question Answer | Collection of Data | English Medium | ASSEB

Class 11 Economics Chapter 2 — Collection of Data

Welcome to HSLC Guru! This page provides a complete English-medium guide to Class 11 Economics Chapter 2 — Collection of Data from the Statistics for Economics textbook prescribed by ASSEB (Assam State School Education Board). You will find a clear summary, all textbook question-answers, additional MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, true/false statements, and a glossary table to make exam preparation simple and effective.

Chapter Summary

Data refers to a collection of facts, figures, and information related to a particular phenomenon. In statistics, data are the raw material used for analysis. Once a researcher has decided the purpose, scope, and source of an enquiry, the next step is the collection of data. Data are broadly classified into two categories — primary data and secondary data. Primary data are original data collected directly by the investigator for the first time for a specific purpose, while secondary data are those that have already been collected by someone else and are being used by the present investigator.

The major methods of collecting primary data are: (i) Direct Personal Investigation, where the investigator personally contacts the informants; (ii) Indirect Oral Investigation, where information is collected from third parties or witnesses who possess knowledge about the issue; (iii) Information from Local Correspondents, where local agents supply data periodically; (iv) Mailed Questionnaire Method, where a printed list of questions is mailed to respondents; (v) Schedule Method, where trained enumerators fill the schedules by personally visiting the respondents; and (vi) Telephone Interview Method, where data are collected over the telephone. Each method has its own merits, demerits, and suitable conditions for application.

The sources of secondary data are classified into published sources and unpublished sources. Published sources include government publications, semi-government publications, reports of committees and commissions, publications of research institutes, journals, newspapers, and international publications such as those by the United Nations and the World Bank. Unpublished sources consist of records maintained by government and private offices, research scholars, and trade associations that are not published but are accessible to genuine researchers.

Two of the most important agencies in India for the collection and publication of statistical data are the Census of India and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). The Census of India is conducted every ten years by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India and provides detailed demographic, social, and economic information about the entire population. The NSSO, established in 1950, conducts large-scale sample surveys on diverse socio-economic subjects such as employment, consumption expenditure, health, and education, and supplies essential data for policy formulation in India.

Textbook Questions and Answers

Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)

Q1. What is data?

Answer: Data refers to a collection of facts, figures, or information related to a particular phenomenon, expressed in numerical or descriptive form.

Q2. Define primary data.

Answer: Primary data are original data collected by the investigator for the first time directly from the field for a specific purpose.

Q3. Define secondary data.

Answer: Secondary data are data that have already been collected and processed by some agency or individual and are being used by another investigator for his/her own purpose.

Q4. What is a questionnaire?

Answer: A questionnaire is a list of pre-determined questions sent to respondents who fill in the answers themselves and return it to the investigator.

Q5. What is a schedule?

Answer: A schedule is a structured list of questions that is filled in by trained enumerators by personally interviewing the respondents.

Q6. What is the full form of NSSO?

Answer: NSSO stands for the National Sample Survey Office.

Q7. When was NSSO established?

Answer: The NSSO was established in 1950.

Q8. How often is the Census of India conducted?

Answer: The Census of India is conducted once every ten years (decennially).

Q9. Name any two published sources of secondary data.

Answer: Two published sources of secondary data are: (i) Government publications such as the Statistical Abstract of India, and (ii) Reports of international agencies such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

Q10. Who is called an enumerator?

Answer: An enumerator is a trained person appointed by the investigator who personally visits respondents and fills the schedule on their behalf.

Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)

Q1. Distinguish between primary data and secondary data.

Answer: Primary data are original data collected by the investigator for the first time, whereas secondary data are data already collected by another agency and used by the present investigator. Primary data are more reliable but costly and time-consuming, while secondary data are cheaper and quickly available but may not exactly suit the present enquiry.

Q2. What is meant by Direct Personal Investigation? State one merit.

Answer: Direct Personal Investigation is a method in which the investigator personally contacts the informants and collects information by face-to-face interaction. Its main merit is that the data collected are highly accurate and reliable, since the investigator can clarify doubts on the spot.

Q3. What is the Indirect Oral Investigation method?

Answer: Under the Indirect Oral Investigation method, the investigator collects information from a third party (witnesses) who are familiar with the persons and circumstances about which information is sought. This method is suitable when informants are unwilling or unable to provide direct information, for example, in matters of crime or sensitive social issues.

Q4. Distinguish between Questionnaire and Schedule.

Answer: A questionnaire is filled by the respondents themselves after receiving it by mail, while a schedule is filled by trained enumerators who personally visit respondents. Questionnaires are cheaper and cover wider areas, but the response rate is lower; schedules give higher response and accuracy but are costly and slower.

Q5. Mention any three precautions while drafting a good questionnaire.

Answer: (i) The questions should be short, clear, and simple. (ii) Personal and embarrassing questions should be avoided. (iii) Leading or ambiguous questions should not be included; instructions for filling the questionnaire must be given clearly.

Q6. What are the merits of the Telephone Interview Method?

Answer: The Telephone Interview Method is fast, economical, and convenient. It allows the investigator to clarify questions instantly, reach respondents in distant areas, and collect data within a short time. However, it is limited to those who own a telephone and is not suitable for lengthy enquiries.

Long Answer Questions (5-6 Marks)

Q1. Explain the various methods of collecting primary data.

Answer: The important methods of collecting primary data are as follows:

Direct Personal Investigation: The investigator personally contacts respondents and collects information through face-to-face conversation. It gives reliable data but is costly and limited in coverage.
Indirect Oral Investigation: Information is collected from witnesses or third parties who have knowledge about the matter. It is used when respondents are unwilling or inaccessible.
Information from Local Correspondents: Local agents stationed in different areas supply information periodically. This method is widely used by newspapers and government departments.
Mailed Questionnaire Method: A list of questions is sent by post to respondents who fill in the answers and return it. It is suitable for wide geographical coverage but suffers from low response.
Schedule Method: Enumerators personally visit respondents and fill the schedule. It is reliable and gives high response but is expensive.
Telephone Interview Method: Information is collected over the telephone. It is quick and economical but limited to respondents with telephone access.

Q2. What are the merits and demerits of the Mailed Questionnaire Method?

Answer: Merits: (i) It is economical because postage cost is much less than personal visits. (ii) A wide geographical area can be covered. (iii) Respondents get adequate time to answer carefully. (iv) Personal bias of the investigator is avoided. (v) Original information is obtained directly from the respondents.

Demerits: (i) The method is suitable only for literate respondents. (ii) The response rate is generally very low. (iii) Incomplete or wrong answers may be given. (iv) Doubts of respondents cannot be cleared. (v) The method is not suitable when quick information is required.

Q3. Explain the sources of secondary data.

Answer: Sources of secondary data are broadly classified as published and unpublished sources.

Published Sources:
- Government publications such as the Statistical Abstract of India and Economic Survey.
- Semi-government publications by municipalities, panchayats, and corporations.
- Reports of committees and commissions appointed by the government.
- Publications of research institutes such as ICSSR, NCAER, and universities.
- Journals, magazines, and newspapers that publish statistical articles.
- International publications such as those of the United Nations, IMF, and World Bank.
Unpublished Sources: Records maintained by government and private offices, files of researchers, and trade associations which are not formally published but are accessible to genuine investigators.

Q4. What precautions should be taken while using secondary data?

Answer: Before using secondary data, the following precautions are essential:

Reliability of Source: Data should be collected from a dependable agency such as a government office or recognised research institute.
Suitability: The data must suit the purpose of the present enquiry in terms of definitions, units, and scope.
Adequacy: The data should be adequate enough in quantity and detail for the purpose at hand.
Time Period: Old data may not represent current conditions; up-to-date figures should be preferred.
Method of Collection: The method used to collect the original data should be examined to judge its accuracy.
Comparability: The data must be comparable across regions, time periods, and units of measurement.

Q5. Write a note on the Census of India and the role of NSSO.

Answer: The Census of India is a complete enumeration of the population of India conducted every ten years by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Census Act, 1948. The first synchronous census in India was held in 1881. It collects detailed information on population, age, sex, occupation, education, religion, language, and housing conditions, and serves as the foundation for planning and policy.

The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), established in 1950 and now under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), conducts nationwide sample surveys on socio-economic issues such as employment and unemployment, household consumption expenditure, education, health, and small-scale industry. The data collected by NSSO are widely used by the government, researchers, and international organisations for designing welfare schemes and measuring development indicators.

Additional Questions for Practice

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1. Data collected by the investigator for the first time is called:

(a) Secondary data (b) Primary data (c) Published data (d) Unpublished data

Answer: (b) Primary data

Q2. Which of the following is a method of collecting primary data?

(a) Government reports (b) Newspapers (c) Direct Personal Investigation (d) World Bank publications

Answer: (c) Direct Personal Investigation

Q3. A schedule is filled by:

(a) Respondents themselves (b) Postman (c) Trained enumerators (d) Editors

Answer: (c) Trained enumerators

Q4. The Census of India is conducted every:

(a) 5 years (b) 10 years (c) 15 years (d) 20 years

Answer: (b) 10 years

Q5. NSSO was established in the year:

Answer: (b) 1950

Q6. Which of the following is a published source of secondary data?

(a) Personal interview (b) Statistical Abstract of India (c) Schedule (d) Telephone interview

Answer: (b) Statistical Abstract of India

Q7. The Mailed Questionnaire Method is suitable when respondents are:

(a) Illiterate (b) Literate (c) Children (d) Unwilling

Answer: (b) Literate

Q8. Indirect Oral Investigation is suitable when:

(a) Respondents are easily accessible (b) Respondents are unwilling to give information directly (c) Data are very simple (d) None of these

Answer: (b) Respondents are unwilling to give information directly

Q9. Which of the following is NOT a source of secondary data?

(a) Government publications (b) Research journals (c) Personal field survey (d) Newspapers

Answer: (c) Personal field survey

Q10. The Telephone Interview Method is mainly:

(a) Slow and costly (b) Quick and economical (c) Suitable only for illiterates (d) None of these

Answer: (b) Quick and economical

Fill in the Blanks

Q1. Data collected for the first time are called __________ data.

Answer: primary

Q2. A __________ is filled by trained enumerators.

Answer: schedule

Q3. The Census of India is conducted every __________ years.

Answer: ten

Q4. NSSO was established in the year __________.

Answer: 1950

Q5. Government reports are an example of __________ source of secondary data.

Answer: published

True / False

Q1. Secondary data are original data collected by the investigator.

Answer: False

Q2. A questionnaire is filled by the respondents themselves.

Answer: True

Q3. The Telephone Interview Method is suitable for illiterate respondents.

Answer: False

Q4. The Census of India is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.

Answer: True

Q5. NSSO conducts large-scale sample surveys on socio-economic issues.

Answer: True

Glossary

Term	Meaning
Data	A collection of facts, figures, and information related to a particular subject.
Primary Data	Original data collected by the investigator for the first time for a specific purpose.
Secondary Data	Data already collected by some agency and used by another investigator.
Direct Personal Investigation	Method in which the investigator personally contacts respondents to collect information.
Indirect Oral Investigation	Method of collecting information through third parties or witnesses.
Local Correspondents	Local agents who supply information from different areas periodically.
Questionnaire	A printed list of questions sent to respondents who fill it themselves.
Schedule	A list of questions filled by trained enumerators on behalf of respondents.
Telephone Interview	Method of collecting data over the telephone.
Enumerator	A trained person who collects data by personally interviewing respondents.
Published Sources	Printed sources of secondary data such as government reports and journals.
Unpublished Sources	Records and documents not formally published but available for research.
Census of India	Decennial complete enumeration of India’s population conducted by the Government of India.
NSSO	National Sample Survey Office, established in 1950, that conducts socio-economic sample surveys.
Pilot Survey	A preliminary small-scale survey conducted before the main survey to test the questionnaire.

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