Session 2 Sources of data
　　Main contents:
　　1. Types of data
　　2. Secondary data
　　3. Sampling methods
　　2.1 Types of data
　　Data can be classified as follows:
　　(a)Primary and secondary data
　　Primary data – are data collected especially for a specific purpose.
　　Secondary data – are data which have been collected elsewhere, for some
　　other purposes, but which can be used or adapted for the
　　survey being conducted.
　　(b)Discrete and continuous data
　　Discrete data – are data which can only be taken on a finite or countable
　　number of values within a given range.
　　Continuous data – are data which can take on any value.
　　(c )Sample and population data
　　Sample data – are data arising as a result of investigating a sample
　　Population data – are data arising as a result of investigating the population.
　　2.2 Secondary data
　　The main sources of secondary data are: governments; banks; newspaper; trade journals; information bureau; consultancies; libraries and information services.
　　- It is essential to believe that the secondary data used is accurate and reliable.
　　2.3 Sampling methods
　　Data are often collected from a sample rather than from a population. If the whole population is examined, the survey is called a census.
　　There are two types of sampling methods:
　　Probability sampling method – is a sampling method in which there is a known chance of each member of the population appearing in the sample.
　　- Random
　　- Stratified random
　　- Systematic
　　- Multistage
　　- Cluster
　　If random sampling is used, it is necessary to construct a sampling frame.
　　A sampling frame should have following characteristics
　　- completeness
　　- accuracy
　　- adequacy
　　- up to dateness
　　- convenience
　　- non-duplication
　　Non probability sampling method – is a sampling method in which the chance of each member of the population appearing in the sample is not know, i.e. quota sampling.
　　Example 1:
　　The following statements relate to which different types of data
　　(i). Secondary data are data collected especially for a specific purpose
　　(ii). Discrete data can take on any value.
　　(iii) Qualitative data are data that cannot be measured
　　(iv). Population data are data arising as a result of investigating a group of people or
　　Objects.
　　Which of the statements are true?
　　A.(i)and(ii)only
　　B.(ii)and(iii)only
　　C.(ii)and(iv)only
　　D.(iii)and(iv)only
　　Solution is D
　　It is primary data that is collected for a specific purpose so (i) is false. Continuous data can take on any value so (ii) is false. Both (iii) and (iv) are true.
　　Example 2:
　　Which of the following statements are not true?
　　I If a sample is selected using random sampling, it will be free from bias.
　　II A sampling frame is a numbered list of all items in a sample.
　　III In cluster sampling there is very little potential for bias.
　　IV In quota sampling, investigators are told to interview all the people they meet
　　Up to a certain quota.
　　A I, II, III and IV
　　B I, II and III
　　C II and III
　　D II only
　　Solution is C
　　A sampling frame is a numbered list of all items in a population (not a sample)
　　Cluster sampling involves selecting one definable subsection of the population which therefore makes the potential for bias considerable.