--- type: "Chapter" knowledge_type: "chapter" entity_type: "chapter" id: "66f14e834d1ea3af32a4c794" title: "Collection of Data" board: "CBSE" curriculum: "CBSE" class: "Class 11" subject: "Economics" book: "Statistics for Economics" chapter: "Collection of Data" chapter_slug: "collection-of-data" canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-11-economics-statistics-for-economics-collection-of-data" markdown_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-11-economics-statistics-for-economics-collection-of-data.md" source_type: "examSubjectBookChapter" source_id: "66f14e834d1ea3af32a4c794" source_pdf: "https://edzy-ai.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/edzy-express-ts/08111a6a-218c-4566-a83c-2742ca7e7e33.pdf" source: "Edzy" version: 1 last_updated: "2026-06-20" --- # Collection of Data This chapter focuses on the sources and modes of data collection in economics, emphasizing the purpose behind data collection as a means to arrive at sound solutions to problems. It discusses the methods of data collection, distinguishing between primary and secondary sources, as well as Census and sample surveys. --- ## Knowledge Snapshot | Field | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Class | Class 11 | | Subject | Economics | | Book | Statistics for Economics | | Chapter | Collection of Data | | Pages | 9-21 | --- ## Chapter Summary ### Short Summary The chapter explains the necessity of collecting data in economics, outlining various sources and methods of collection, including the differences between primary and secondary data, as well as Census and sample surveys. ### Detailed Summary Data is critical for understanding economic problems and trends. The chapter elucidates the differences between primary data, collected directly from sources, and secondary data, which is compiled by other entities. It examines various techniques for data collection, including surveys using questionnaires, and highlights the importance of structuring effective data collection instruments. Furthermore, it explains Census and sample surveys, detailing methodologies for sampling and potential errors encountered in these processes. --- ## Topic-Wise Explanation ### INTRODUCTION The introduction clarifies the objectives of data collection in economics, defining data's role in providing insights and facilitating informed decision-making. ### WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF DATA? Data can be categorized as primary, collected firsthand, or secondary, which is previously gathered and processed by other agencies. This section emphasizes the time and cost-effectiveness of utilizing secondary data. ### HOW DO WE COLLECT THE DATA? Data collection methods include surveys using questionnaires, detailing the preparation, structure, and types of questions to be included for effective data gathering. ### CENSUS AND SAMPLE SURVEYS Census involves collecting data from every member of the population, whereas sample surveys involve collecting data from a representative subset of the population. The distinctions and methodologies of each are discussed. ### SAMPLING AND NON-SAMPLING ERRORS This section covers types of errors encountered in data collection, specifically distinguishing between sampling errors, which can be minimized by larger sample sizes, and non-sampling errors, which are harder to control. ### CENSUS OF INDIA AND NSSO The roles of agencies like the Census of India and the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) in collecting, processing, and publishing demographic data are highlighted, showing their importance for economic planning. ### CONCLUSION The chapter concludes that data collection is essential for understanding and analyzing economic conditions, reinforcing its significance in statistical inquiries and economic analyses. --- ## Core Ideas | Idea | Explanation | | :--- | :--- | | Purpose of Data Collection | Data helps to solve economic problems by providing necessary information. | | Primary vs. Secondary Data | Primary data is gathered firsthand, while secondary data is collected from existing sources. | --- ## Key Concepts | Concept | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | Census | Collection of data from every member of a population. | | Sampling | Collection of data from a subset of the population. | --- ## Important Points for Revision * Data is essential for making economic decisions. * Primary and secondary data have different sources and uses. * Surveys are a primary method for collecting data. * A well-structured questionnaire is important for effective data collection. * Census collects data from the entire population every ten years. * Sampling can lead to errors that must be carefully managed. * Various agencies are involved in the data collection process in India. * Data must be interpreted to be useful for economic analysis. --- ## Vocabulary and Glossary | Word / Phrase | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | Variables | Data values that can change. | | Observation | Each value within a variable. | --- ## Practice Questions ### Short Answer Questions 1. What is primary data? 2. How is secondary data beneficial? 3. Define a survey in the context of data collection. 4. What is the main difference between census and sample surveys? 5. Explain sampling bias. ### Long Answer Questions 1. Describe the process involved in conducting a survey for data collection. 2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of personal interviews. 3. Compare random sampling with non-random sampling techniques. --- ## Related Concepts - Data Collection Techniques - Statistical Methods in Economics - Importance of Statistics in Economic Analysis --- ## Source Attribution | Field | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Source | Edzy | | Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter | | Reference ID | 66f14e834d1ea3af32a4c794 | | Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-11-economics-statistics-for-economics-collection-of-data | | Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-11-economics-statistics-for-economics-collection-of-data.md |