Collection

Of
Statistical
Data.
 Index
1) Origin & Growth of Statistics.

2) Population survey & Sample Survey.

3) Difference between Population survey & Sample

Survey.

4) Advantages of Sampling.

5) Disadvantages of Sampling.

6) Qualitative Data & Quantitative Data.

7) Primary Data & Secondary Data.

8) Difference between Primary Data & Secondary Data.

9) Method of collecting primary Data.

a) Direct inquiry.

b) Indirect inquiry.

c) Questionnaire method.

10) Characteristics of an ideal questionnaire.

11) Sources of Secondary Data`s collection.

12) Precautions while using Secondary data.

Origin and Growth of Statistics.

In the olden days, the kings and rulers used to use
statistics, based on population census, primarily to
procure food for the people and prepare the army for
security. Census has been used by the Governments
ever since for various purposes. The making of
decisions on some characteristics of the entire
population based on a representative part/sample of it
is a huge advantage, both in terms of cost and
management, without sacrificing accuracy and
efficiency of the results. In reality, often that is the only
realistic choice.

Some scholars pinpoint the origin of statistics

to 1663, with the publication of Natural and
Political Observations upon the Bills of Mortality
by John Graunt. Early applications of statistical
thinking revolved around the needs of states to base
policy on demographic and economic data, hence its
stat- etymology. The scope of the discipline of
statistics broadened in the early 19th century to
include the collection and analysis of data in general.
Today, statistics is widely employed in government,
business, and the natural and social sciences.

Statistic’s mathematical foundations were

laid in the 17th century with the development of
probability theory by Blaise Pascal and Pierre de
Fermat. Probability theory arose from the study of
games of chance. The method of least squares was
first described by Carl Friedrich Gauss around
1794.

The use of the word ‘Statistics’ is believed to have

been made for the first time by German Scholar
Gottfried Achen Well (1719-1772 A.D.).John
Sinclair also used the word Statistics in his book. In
Encyclopaedia Britanika of 1797, there also
references about Statistics. Indian contribution in the
field of Statistics has been quite significant from
ancient times.
 In Kautilaya’s Arthsashtra references are
available about the collection of statistics regarding
agriculture, population and finance during Mauryan
Empire. References are also available in Ain-I-Akbari
of Abdul Fazal about the collection of statistics during
the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar.
In Kolkata the Indian Institute of Statistics
established by Prof.P.C Mahalanobis gives important
contribution in research and development of the
subject Statistics. This institute has been
internationally recognized as a center where advanced
level of research in the field of Statistics.

The word statistics, when referring to the scientific

discipline, is singular, as in "Statistics is an art." This
should not be confused with the word statistic,
referring to a quantity (such as mean or median)
calculated from a set of data, whose plural is statistics,
e.g. "This statistic seems wrong." or "These statistics
are misleading."

Modern Statistics has grown and developed in

three phases. The seed of Statistics was sown by kings
and rulers and its plant was nourished and nurtured by
mathematicians. Finally, modern Statistics has grown
in to a tree bearing flowers and fruits in the fields of
science and commerce.

More probability density will be found the closer

one gets to the expected (mean) value in a normal
distribution. Statistics used in standardized testing
assessment are shown. The scales include standard
deviations, cumulative percentages, percentile
equivalents, Z-scores, T-scores, standard nines, and
percentages in standard nines.
 Statistics is a science in which data collected
by either conducting experiments or inquires of
different phenomena and events are classified,
tabulated and analysed by mathematical
methods in order to explore, explain and
compare the inherent nature of these
phenomena and events.
A universally accepted definition of
Statistics can be given as follows:-
“The science of Statistics in the study of
mathematical methods used in collection,
presentation, analysis, drawing conclusions
based on mutually related numerical data with
pre-determined objective by conducting an
inquiry or experiment subjected to different
forces of natural and / or other relevant
phenomena”.
The above definition is based on the use of
numerical data, but study of qualitative data is also
done in statistics.
Statistics is the science of the collection,
organization, and interpretation of data. It deals
with all aspects of this, including the planning of
data collection in terms of the design of surveys
and experiments.
Statisticians improve the quality of data with the
design of experiments and survey sampling. Statistics
also provides tools for prediction and forecasting using
data and statistical models. Statistics is applicable to a
wide variety of academic disciplines, including natural
and social sciences, government, and business.
 In this age of interdisciplinary approach, statistics
has been recognized as behavioral and applied
science. Moreover, the study of statistics is also
considered as an important part of scientific methods.
Thus it goes without saying that the elementary
knowledge of basic principles of statistics has become
an integral part of part of the general education
received by every educated and professional
individual.
Population survey & Sample survey.
For a Statistical inquiry or investigation of a
problem in any field, one has to collect data
concerning the problem. The Statistical inquiry or
investigation is of two types. They are (1)
Population inquiry. (2)Sample inquiry. Better
accuracy can be achieved if information is on all units
covered under the field of inquiry.

Population survey.
Better accuracy can be achieved if information
is on all units covered under the field of inquiry. The
totality of all units covered under the field of inquiry
or investigation is called a Population. The total
number of units contained in the population inquiry or
investigation is called the size of the population. If
the number of units in the population is finite, then
the population is called finite population with size
N. If the number of units in the population is infinite,
then the population is called infinite population
with size N. In real life situation we deal with we think
of only finite population. If we take group of students
as population then the unit of population is student. If
we take group of family as population then the unit of
population is family. If we take group of Electric bulb
manufactured by a factory as population then the unit
of population is Electric bulb. Thus interpretation of a
population and its unit can be made according to
context.
An inquiry in which information on each &
every unit of the population is obtained for
inspection is called a Population inquiry or
Census inquiry. For example, the population census
conducted for every ten years in the country is the
example of population inquiry. Inquiry of all citizens of
the country is the example of population census and
the total number of citizens of the country is called
the size of the population.
If the field of inquiry or survey is very
extensive and wide, conducting a population inquiry
or survey becomes difficult, if not impossible. The
total inquiry of all units of population requires lot of
money, time and energy. Moreover we require more
number of enumerators to collect information on each
and every unit of the population. It is rather difficult to
get sufficient number of experienced, honest, diligent
and clever enumerators. In some circumstances
population inquiry is not practically feasible the
requires another inquiry that is sample inquiry.
In particular, a population inquiry proves
worthless if all the units of the population after the
inspection are to be destroyed. For example, if an
 inquiry of electric bulbs involves recording the life of
the bulb till they fuse out then complete inquiry of all
bulbs leaves no bulb for use. So we require sample
inquiry.

Sample survey.
The remedy of overcoming the practical
difficulty encountered in population survey lies in
selecting representative units in a scientific or random
manner and inquiry is made on these selected units
only. A group of such selected units is called a
sample, and total number of each selected units is
called the sample size or size of the sample. A unit
selected in the sample is called a sample unit. An
inquiry made on each unit of the sample is called a
sample inquiry or sample survey.
In our day to day life we, knowingly or
unknowingly, resort to sample inquiry. For example a
pathologist takes a few drops of blood for medical
examination. A housewife, while cooking, examines a
few cooked grains to check whether the grains are
cooked or not. A candidate appearing for personal
interview for job is asked a few questions to judge his
suitability for the job.
Sample inquiry compared to population inquiry
is simple, less expensive, speedy and more practical.
But the selection of a sample for this purpose requires
meticulous care. Such a sample should be the
representative of the population. In other words, its
selection should be done at random; size of the
sample should not be unduly small or unduly large.
For example, a sample of size 100 from a population
of 1000 families of the labour area of a city on city on
10% basis can be called representative sample for
conducting a socio-economic status of these 1000
families of the labour area is same a large extent,
populatation of 1000 families of the labour area can
be called a homogeneous population. A population
of 1000 100 watt electric bulbs produced by a factory
on daily basis can also be called a homogeneous
population. Suppose we want to undertake a socio-
economic survey of families of an industrial city is
called a non-homogeneous population. In order to
make this population homogenous, we require
dividing the families of the city on the basis of socio-
economic status into three classes such as labour
class families, middle class families and upper class
families. We can take each of these classes as
homogeneous and each class may be called the sub
population of the original population. We can conduct
the socio economic inquiry by taking a sample of
appropriate size from each of these sub population.
Sample inquiry can be either of without
replacement or with replacement.
It can be as follows:
While selecting a sample for a sample
inquiry, if a unit selected at any draw is not
replaced in the population before the next
draw, then such a sample is called sample
without replacement and inquiry is called
sampling without replacement. If a unit
selected at any draw is replaced in the
population before the next draw, then such a
 sample is called sample with replacement and
inquiry is called sampling with replacement.
Diff. Population & Sample Survey.
Population survey Sample Survey
In population survey all the In sample survey fewer
units are examined. So it units are examined. So it
requires more time. requires less time.
The cost of survey is more. The cost of survey is
less.
As more units are to be Accuracy can be
examined proper accuracy maintained as few units
cannot be maintained. are to be examined.
Population study is not Sample study is possible
possible when the units when the units are to be
are to be destroyed destroyed during the
during the study. study.
As more persons are As few persons are to be
employed to the work employed experts may
experts may not be be available.
available.
As more units are to be As few units are to be
studied the work becomes studied the work
tedious. becomes relatively
easy
As all units are examined Limited number of the
complete information is units are examined hence
available. complete information
is not available.
As more units are to be As fewer units are to be
examined It occupies more examined It occupies
time. relatively less time.
Example: population census Example: selection of
coach.

Advantages of Sample survey.

Sampling has some advantages over the
complete count. These are:
 As in sample study few units are to be examined
detailed study of the survey can be done.
 As few units are to be examined the survey work
requires less time. Thus in this way sample survey
saves time.
 As few units are to be examined the survey work
requires less money. Thus in this way sample survey
saves lots of money.
 In sample survey few persons are required for the
survey work so experts can be appointed for the
survey. This will increase the reliability of the survey
results.
 When the test is of destructive nature, sampling is
only the way out. In such cases the population survey
is not possible.
 A large area can be covered under survey in the
available time and money.
 If proper method is employed under the survey the
results obtained will represent the population
adequately. Surveys are relatively inexpensive
(especially self-administered surveys).
 Surveys are useful in describing the characteristics of
a large population. No other method of observation
can provide this general capability.
 They can be administered from remote locations
using mail, email or telephone.
 Consequently, very large samples are feasible,
making the results statistically significant even when
analyzing multiple variables.
 Many questions can be asked about a given topic
giving considerable flexibility to the analysis.
 Sample survey make measurement more precise by
enforcing uniform definitions upon the participants.
 Sample survey that similar data can be collected from
groups then interpreted comparatively (between-
group study).
 Sample survey is also used to check the accuracy of
the census data (population survey).
 Surveys are an efficient way of collecting information
from a large number of respondents. Very large
samplings are possible. Statistical techniques can be
used to determine validity, reliability, and statistical
significance.
 Surveys are flexible in the sense that a wide range of
information can be collected. They can be used to
study attitudes, values, beliefs, and past behaviors.
 Because they are standardized, they are relatively
free from several types of errors.
 They are relatively easy to administer.
 There is an economy in data collection due to the
focus provided by standardized questions. Only
questions of interest to the re searcher are asked,
recorded, codified, and analyzed. Time and money is
not spent on tangential questions.
 Sample surveys are usually cheaper to conduct than a
full census.
Disadvantages of Sample survey.
 They depend on subjects’ motivation, honesty,
memory, and ability to respond. Subjects may not be
aware of their reasons for any given action. They may
have forgotten their reasons. They may not be
motivated to give accurate answers; in fact, they may
be motivated to give answers that present themselves
in a favourable light.
 Structured surveys, particularly those with closed
ended questions, may have low validity when
researching affective variables.
 Although the individuals chosen to participate in
surveys are often randomly sampled, errors due to
nonresponsive may exist. That is, people who choose
to respond on the survey may be different from those
who do not respond, thus biasing the estimates. For
example, polls or surveys that are conducted by calling
a random sample of publicly available telephone
numbers will not include the responses of people with
unlisted telephone numbers, mobile (cell) phone
numbers, people who are unable to answer the phone
(e.g., because they normally sleep during the time of
day the survey is conducted, because they are at work,
etc.), people who do not answer calls from unknown or
unfamiliar telephone numbers.
 Such a survey will include a disproportionate
number of respondents who have traditional, land-line
telephone service with listed phone numbers, and
people who stay home much of the day and are much
more likely to be available to participate in the survey
(e.g., people who are unemployed, disabled, elderly,
etc.).
 Survey question answer-choices could lead to
vague data sets because at times they are relative
 only to a personal abstract notion concerning "strength
of choice".
 For instance the choice "moderately agree" may
mean different things to different subjects, and to
anyone interpreting the data for correlation.

Qualitative data & Quantitative data.

In order to understand a statistical study of a
problem covering different aspects, we have to plan
an inquiry. Such an inquiry involves inspection of all
the units of population or units of the sample of size n
appropriately selected from the population under
study covering different aspects of the problem.
Collection of all the results so obtained by
inspection of all units of population or its
sample is called data. Thus, statistical study of the
problem can be made on the basis of the data
collected either by population inquiry or sample
inquiry. Hence collection of the data forms the basis
of the statistical study of any problem.
Suppose we have to study some characteristic
associated with the unit of a sample of size n
appropriately selected from population of size N under
the field of inquiry. Since the measurement of this
characteristic varies from unit to unit in the sample.
We call this characteristic as variable characteristic.
Variable characteristic of a unit can be either
qualitative or numerical (quantitative).We
consider an example to grasp the idea of qualitative
or numerical (quantitative) variable characteristic.
 In sample of size (1≤n≤N) of workers
appropriately selected from a population of workers of
size N, worker will be a unit of sample. If “to suffer
from tuberculoses” is a variable characteristic
associated with a unit of a sample, then this variable
characteristic is qualitative and hence this
characteristic is called qualitative variable. From
now onwards, we shall call a qualitative characteristic
as an attribute. The collection of observation
obtained by inspecting all units of the sample with
respect to this attribute (to suffer from tuberculoses)
is called qualitative data. Similarly, if we associate
attributes like “to be in debt”, “to smoke”, “to drink”,
“to use social network” etc, with the units (i.e.
workers) of the sample we get a qualitative data on
these attributes.
Suppose we associate a variable characteristic
namely, monthly income of a worker, persons using
social network etc. We can get a measurement of
monthly income of a worker (unit) of the sample.
Since a measurement of this variable characteristic is
a non-negative real number we call this variable
characteristic as a numerical (quantitative)
variable. The collection of observation or
measurements of monthly income of all units
(workers) of the sample is numerical data. Similarly
we can associate numerical variables like weight,
height, blood pressure, width etc, with units (workers)
of the sample of n workers.
Thus we can define this data as follows:
The collection of observation on
attributes or measurement on a variable
characteristic defined on the units of a
 population or a sample selected from it is called
data. If a variable characteristic is an attribute
(qualitative variable), then the collection of
observation on attribute (qualitative variable) is
called qualitative data. If variable characteristic
is a numerical variable the collection of
observation on the numerical variable is called
Numerical (Quantitative) data.
When the data are collected according to
some qualitative measures which are not
capable of quantitative measurement like
beauty, honesty, employment, intelligence,
occupation, literacy, sex, etc., the data is called
Qualitative or Descriptive data. If the data are
collected on the basis of a phenomenon which is
capable of quantitative measurement like age,
height, weight, production, incomes, prices,
sales, profits, expenditures, incomes, money,
etc., are termed as a Quantitative or numerical
data.
Primary data & Secondary data.
It is now known that for a statistical study of any
problem the information is required to be collected. The
reliability of the results will obviously depend upon the
accuracy of the collected data. If somebody is interested
in studying the progress of the industry, he should collect
information about the total investment in the industry, the
number of workers, the volume of production, sale, profit
etc. there two methods of collecting such data: (1)
Primary data (2) Secondary data.
Primary data.
 Primary data are those statistical data which are
collected for the first time or original to the nature.
Primary data are originally by the authorities who are
required to collect them. The source from which primary
data are collected is called primary source. The method
of collection of primary data is also known as the primary
method of collection of data. Primary data are
collected for the first time by the authority that requires
the data for their use and treatment. Data collected by the
field-workers, investigators, and enumerators are primary
data. The census of India published by the government,
the reserve bank of India bulletin published by the reserve
bank of India, the textile bulletin published by the textile
commissioner of India, annual report of the company
prepared by the company, etc. are the sources of the
primary data.
For example the data collected from the population
census held by the government of India every ten years
are also called primary data. The data collected by the
teacher with the help of his students by socio economic
survey for the first time is called primary data. The annual
report presented by the company for the first time for the
investors is also called the primary data. In case of strike
in a nationalized bank if a person approaches different
bank workers and gathers information regarding the
causes of strike and understand the problem of the bank
workers is also called a Primary data
In short Primary data means when any
authorized organization or an investigators or an
enumerators collects the data for the first time
himself or with the help of an institution or an
expert then the data collected. Thus primary data is
the first handed information collected by the
investigator himself.
Secondary data.
Secondary data are those statistical data
which are collected and published by one
organization and subsequently utilized by other
organizations. Secondary data are originally collected
and published by other organization other than the
authorities who require them subsequently for their use
and treatment. So Secondary data of one
organization becomes primary data of other
organizations who first collect them and published
them. The source from which secondary data is
collected is called Secondary source. The method of
collection of secondary data is called secondary
method of collection of data. Secondary data is
systematically arranged and in abridged form. With little
changes in primary data it is useful for the study of the
data. This saves time money and energy.
The Secondary data can be collected from following
sources:
Government publication, Publication of Semi
Government agencies, Publication of international
organization, publication local bodies, Publication of
business and commercial organization, newspapers and
magazines, Publication of private organization, reports
published by various commission, unpublished sources,
etc.
For example I any private body made use of the
data of the population census complied by the authorized
organization of the government of India, then the complied
data of the population census become secondary data for
the private organization. Similarly if the data obtained
from socio-economic survey conducted by the teacher is
used by some other institution or persons then the data of
the socio-economic survey becomes secondary for the
user initiation.
Thus in short Secondary data means When an
authorised organization agency or investigator uses the
data already collected by the authorised organization
agency or investigator.
Diff. between Primary & Secondary data.
The difference between the primary data and
secondary data is only one of the degrees of detachment
with the original source. The data which is primary in the
hands of one may become secondary in the hands of
others. The difference between them can be shown as
follows:
Primary Data Secondary data
Primary data are collected Secondary data are
the first time. So they are already collected. So they
original. are not original.
Primary data are extensive Secondary data are
and in haphazard manner. systematic and in
abridged form.
In collecting primary data In collecting secondary
more time, money, and data less time, money,
energy are used and energy are used.
They are relevant to the They may not be relevant
inquiry. to the inquiry.
In primary data collection In secondary data
Representative is not collection Representative
selected. is selected.
They are independently They are obtained from
collected by investigators. different publications.
They are accurate and They may not be accurate
reliable. and reliable.
Example : population Example : if economist
survey carried out every 10 takes the information from
years census report for his use
or his purpose
If similar inquiry is not Secondary data may not
conducted in the past, the be available for certain
only option is to collect types of inquiry.
primary data.
No extra precautions need It should be used with
to be taken in making use care.
of this data.
Methods of collecting primary data.
When the data is neither internally available nor
there exists a suitable secondary source, the expenditures
on original collection becomes justified. There are
Different methods available to collect primary data. For
example direct individual inquiry (direct inquiry), indirect
individual inquiry (indirect inquiry) or schedules by the
informants and inquiry filled by in questionnaire by
enumerators or collecting person , method of
questionnaire by post, method of questionnaire by
enumerators, method of questionnaire by mail, etc, are
various method of collecting primary data. Primary data
are collected by enumerators or institution, who wants to
collect for their purpose.
We shall study following three methods of
collecting primary Data:
 1.Direct Inquiry.
2.Indirect Inquiry.
3.Questionnaire Inquiry.
a) By post.
b) By Enumerators.
Direct Inquiry.
A method in which an investigator himself or an
enumerators appointed by the institution who wants to
collect personally visits the persons from whom the
information is to be obtained asks them question
pertaining to the inquiry or survey and collect the data or
required information regarding the survey or inquiry is
called method of direct inquiry.
For example, suppose a teacher wants to know
whether students visiting library of the school either they
read the books or newspapers or periodicals or magazines.
He visits the library and meets the students personally and
asks some questions related to their habits and record the
answer given by them. Thus teacher gathers the
information from the student and studies what the student
read in the library. The method adopted by the teacher for
their inquiry is an example of direct inquiry. If a sociologist
is interested in studying the causes of the divorce among
the educated couples, he selects certain couples at
random and approaches them personally. He gathers the
information from them regarding their problems and
studies the causes of divorce. The method adopted by the
sociologist for their inquiry is an also example of direct
inquiry. There many examples are there of the direct
inquiry like population census, etc.
 The direct inquiry can be done in two ways. They
are (1) by observation (2) by interview. The information
collected or obtained by direct inquiry is generally
considered to be reliable. But errors are likely to creep in,
in the information or data collected by the direct inquiry
method on the account of the prejudice or bias of the
investigator or collector or enumerators. For example, if
the teacher making an inquiry about the reading habits of
the students going to library starts his inquiry by the
prejudice or bias that “students visiting the library mostly
read the books or turn the page of the pictorial newspaper
or periodicals” then the information collected by the
teacher will create a different impression and cease to be
reliable. Thus it requires more time money and energy.
The method of the direct inquiry involves lot of
time money and energy. The method of direct inquiry is
adopted when the field of inquiry is limited and inquiry
requires a high standard of the accuracy of the collected
information. The success of direct inquiry will naturally
dependent upon the skill of the investigator or collector or
enumerators and the co-operation of the respondents or
people under this inquiry.
This method requires much from the investigators
such as:
1. She/he should be polite, unbiased and tactful.
2. She/he should know the local conditions,
customs and traditions.
3. She/he should be intelligent and possessing
good observation power.
4. She/he should use simple, easy and
meaningful questions to extract information.
 There are some merits (advantages) and demerits
(disadvantages) of the direct inquiry. They are as follows:
Advantages of Direct Inquiry.
 Since the investigator or collector or enumerators
himself collect the data or information by personal
visit the data or information obtained by this method
are accurate and reliable.
 The presence of an enumerator or investigator
possibly creates confidence in the respondents of the
inquiry. If the person having doubt or any question or
any embarrassment, he can seek clarification from
investigator or enumerators.
 Investigator or enumerators can become clearer and
open with the matters relating to the inquiry by
developing close contact with the person giving
information and providing more explanation to him
relevant with the inquiry.
 The enumerators can indirectly get the information
case the informant (person giving the information)
dodging or is unwilling to give information on some
matters. In order to extract information, he can ask
some supplementary question consistent with the
level of the informant. He also assures him that
information given to him by him will not be misused.
 This method is much better than the information is to
be obtained from a limited field of inquiry.
 Usually the investigators or enumerators are familiar
with the local problems; hence their experience can
be useful.
  Due to personal touch, people tend to co-operate
better and promptness is achieved.
Disadvantages of Direct Inquiry.
 Investigator or enumerators cannot visit more places
at a time. Hence this method is not quite useful in
getting more information. It requires more time and
money to collect the information. Hence this method
requires considerable amount of time, money and
energy.
 Sometimes information collected by this method is
less reliable if the enumerators are not well trained,
dutiful, and honest towards the object of the inquiry.
 This method is likely to be affected to a large extent
by the prejudices or bias of the enumerators.
 The respondents may not have interest in the survey
hence it is likely that they may not be co-operative.
The reliability of the result, therefore suffers.

Indirect Inquiry.
When there is not enough time to personally visit
the informants covered under the field of the inquiry or
when direct inquiry or when direct inquiry becomes
prohibitive with respect to time, energy and cost or in the
case the nature of the information to be obtained is
complex, the investigator gets in touch with an
organisation or an agency the relevant observation
through that organisation or agency. Thus a method of
inquiry in which the information is obtained with the help
of an organisation or agency instead of enumerators is
called the method of the indirect inquiry. This method
eliminates the main limitation of the method of the
direct inquiry.
For example a teacher interested in making an
inquiry to get information about the reading habits of the
student, approaches the librarian of the school instead of
taking personal interviews of the student and gets
information from the register of the library. The method
adopted by the teacher is an example of indirect inquiry.
Similarly if one wishes to inquire about the addiction to
the drugs, alchohol,etc., people addicted to such drugs are
usually reluctant to provide information about their own
habits even if approached personally and persuaded with
the assurance the information given by him will be kept as
a secret, In such circumstances, the desired information
can be obtained agents supplying narcotic drugs or
institution engaged In the task of rehabilitating addicted
person.
The government appoints the pay commission to
enquire into the demands of recognized the trade unions
of the employees for improvement of their pay scales and
gets the information from the report submitted by the
commission. Similarly, the government also appoints a
commission of inquiry to enquiry into the opinions and
attitudes of the citizens on issues of the public interest
and gets the information from the report submitted by the
commission for further action. Thus the method of indirect
inquiry is quite largely popular in practice, but the
reliability of the information obtained by this method
largely depends on the experience, maturity, efficiency
and neutrality of both members of the commission
conducting the inqury and the people or organisation
called for giving the information.
 The method is also used in different commission
appointed by the government. The person or agency from
whom the information is obtained is known as witness and
the success of this method depends upon the reliability of
the witness. If the witness is in touch with respondents
and is free from prejudice or bias the information obtained
is reliable. The method is useful in obtaining information
from large area at a lower cost and in less time.