CBSE Class 11 Economics Collection of Data

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CHAPTER - 2: INTRODUCTION - COLLECTION OF DATA

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (1 Mark Each)

1. What is a variable? [1 Mark]

Answer:
1. A variable is a characteristic or a phenomenon that can take on different numerical or qualitative values and can be measured.
2. Examples include height, weight, income, and price.

Teacher's Note:
a) Variables form the core of statistical data analysis in economics.
b) Ensure students understand that constants do not change, whereas variables vary across individuals or time.

2. Why is data collected [1 Mark]

Answer:
1. Data is collected to understand economic problems, formulate policies, and evaluate the impact of existing economic measures.
2. It provides factual evidence for empirical investigations and decision-making.

Teacher's Note:
a) Data serves as the raw material for statistical analysis.
b) Emphasize the importance of reliable information in economic planning.

3. What are samples? [1 Mark]

Answer:
1. A sample is a smaller, representative group drawn from a larger population.
2. It is studied to gather information and draw conclusions about the entire population.

Answer:
1. In statistics, a population or universe refers to the aggregate or totality of all items or units under investigation in a particular study.
2. It can be finite or infinite depending on the scope of the study.

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinct from the demographic definition of population.
b) Every single unit possessing the specified characteristics is part of the population.

5. What are open ended questions? [1 Mark]

Answer:
1. Open-ended questions allow respondents to answer in their own words without being restricted by pre-determined options.
2. They provide qualitative depth and detailed insights into opinions and feelings.

Teacher's Note:
a) These are harder to quantify and code during data analysis.
b) Commonly used in exploratory research.

6. What are close ended or structured questions? [1 Mark]

Answer:
1. Close-ended or structured questions provide a set of pre-determined alternative answers from which the respondent must choose.
2. They make data collection and statistical analysis much easier and faster.

Teacher's Note:
a) Examples include multiple-choice questions and yes-no check boxes.
b) They limit the respondent to the given choices, potentially missing nuanced views.

7. Name the agencies that collect data in India [1 Mark]

Answer:
1. The primary agencies that collect official statistical data in India are the National Statistical Office (NSO), the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Teacher's Note:
a) NSO was formerly known as NSSO and CSO.
b) State governments also have respective statistical bureaus.

8. Define 'Exit polls'. [1 Mark]

Answer:
1. An exit poll is a specialized survey conducted with voters immediately after they leave the polling booths during an election.
2. It is used to predict the election results before official counting takes place.

Teacher's Note:
a) It is a practical application of sampling techniques in public opinion tracking.
b) Results can sometimes differ from actual outcomes due to sampling and response biases.

9. Name the publication in which collected data is published in India [1 Mark]

Answer:
1. Collected official data in India is published in reports such as the Monthly Abstract of Statistics, Statistical Abstract India, and various reports by the Reserve Bank of India and Census of India.

Teacher's Note:
a) These publications serve as key secondary sources of economic data.
b) Researchers rely on them for macroeconomic analysis.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (3 / 4 Marks Each)

1. Name the different ways of collecting data [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Personal Interviews: Direct face-to-face interaction between the investigator and the respondent.
2. Mailing Questionnaires: Sending questionnaires by post or email to respondents to fill out and return.
3. Telephone Interviews: Conducting interviews over the telephone to collect information quickly.

Teacher's Note:
a) Methods are chosen based on cost, time, and target population.
b) Each method has distinct advantages and limitations regarding response rates and accuracy.

2. What is Primary data? How is it collected? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Primary data refers to first-hand information collected by the investigator for the first time for a specific research purpose.
2. It is original in character and tailored to the exact needs of the study.
3. It can be collected through direct personal investigation, indirect oral investigation, information through correspondents, mailed questionnaires, or telephone interviews.

Teacher's Note:
a) Primary data is more reliable but involves higher cost and time.
b) Mentioning specific collection instruments completes the answer.

3. What is secondary data? What are the different sources of secondary data? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Secondary data refers to data that has already been collected, processed, and published or used by someone else for their investigation.
2. Published sources include government publications, reports of committees and commissions, international publications, and books or journals.
3. Unpublished sources include records maintained by private institutions, trade associations, and individual researchers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Secondary data is economical and saves time.
b) Caution must be exercised regarding its reliability and suitability for the current study.

4. Distinguish between Primary and Secondary data [4 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Tabular distinction is the most effective presentation for comparative questions.
b) Focus on originality, cost, and suitability as key parameters.

5. Distinguish between Census and Sampling method of data collection. [4 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Contrast census coverage with sample subset logic clearly.
b) Emphasize the trade-off between absolute coverage and resource constraints.

6. What is Census of India? Name the data collected in the Census of India. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Census of India is a comprehensive decennial enumeration of the entire population of the country, conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
2. It collects exhaustive demographic, social, and economic data.
3. The data collected includes population size and growth rate, density, sex ratio, literacy rates, employment status, migration, and housing characteristics.

Teacher's Note:
a) It is the most comprehensive source of demographic data in India.
b) Conducted every 10 years, providing crucial temporal comparisons.

7. Explain personal interview. What are its advantages and disadvantages? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Personal interview is a method where the investigator has face-to-face contact with the respondents to ask questions and record answers.
2. Advantages include high response rates, ability to clarify doubts, and opportunity to observe non-verbal cues.
3. Disadvantages include high cost in terms of time, money, and personnel, along with potential interviewer bias.

Teacher's Note:
a) Essential to cover definition, pros, and cons equally.
b) Mention how personal rapport can improve data quality.

8. What is pilot testing? Why is it done? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Pilot testing, also known as pre-testing, is a trial run of the questionnaire on a small sample of the target population before the actual survey.
2. It is done to identify ambiguities, confusing questions, or technical flaws in the questionnaire.
3. It helps estimate the time required for the survey and assess the reliability and effectiveness of the research design.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize that pilot testing acts as a quality control check.
b) It prevents costly errors during the full-scale survey execution.

9. Explain Mailing questionnaires. What are its advantages and disadvantages? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Mailing questionnaires involves sending printed survey forms by post or email to respondents, who fill them out and send them back.
2. Advantages include low cost, wide geographic coverage, and elimination of interviewer bias since respondents answer independently.
3. Disadvantages include very low response rates, risk of misinterpretation of questions, and suitability restricted strictly to literate populations.

Teacher's Note:
a) Structure the answer clearly into definition, merits, and demerits.
b) Note that follow-ups are often necessary to improve response rates.

10. What are the factors that must be kept in mind while preparing a good questionnaire? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Limited number of questions to avoid respondent fatigue.
2. Clear, simple, and unambiguous language appropriate for the target audience.
3. Logical sequence of questions moving from general to specific topics.
4. Avoidance of personal, sensitive, or leading questions that could bias the response.

Teacher's Note:
a) This is a standard conceptual question frequently asked in board exams.
b) Bullet points with clear explanations secure full credit.

11. What are telephone interviews? What are its advantages and disadvantages? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Telephone interviews involve the investigator asking questions and recording responses over a telephone conversation.
2. Advantages include lower cost than personal interviews, wider reach, and faster data collection.
3. Disadvantages include limited depth of information, restricted access to individuals without phones, and high rates of hang-ups or refusals.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the speed advantage over mailed questionnaires.
b) Discuss coverage limitations where telephone penetration is low.

12. What are the different methods of sampling? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Random Sampling: Every unit of the population has an equal and independent chance of being selected.
2. Purposive or Deliberate Sampling: The investigator deliberately chooses specific units based on personal judgment or study objectives.
3. Stratified Sampling: The population is divided into homogenous groups (strata), and samples are drawn randomly from each stratum.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mentioning random, stratified, and purposive covers the core curriculum.
b) Emphasize random sampling as the most statistically sound method.

13. What are the advantages of sampling? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Economy: It requires significantly less money and fewer resources than a complete census.
2. Time-Saving: Data collection and analysis are completed much faster due to the smaller number of units.
3. Greater Accuracy: Intensive and careful study of a smaller sample can often yield more accurate results than a rushed census.

Teacher's Note:
a) Contrast these benefits against the exhaustive requirements of a census.
b) Focus on economy, speed, and precision.

14. What are sampling errors? Briefly explain the different Non-sampling errors [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Sampling errors occur when the sample observation differs from the actual population value due to the sheer fact that only a subset was studied.
2. Non-sampling errors are mistakes that occur during data collection, processing, or estimation, regardless of whether a census or sample is used.
3. Errors in Data Acquisition: Mistakes made while recording, editing, or tabulating responses.
4. Non-Response Errors: Occur when selected respondents refuse to participate or cannot be contacted.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly distinguish sampling error (due to sample size) from non-sampling error (due to human mistake or process flaws).
b) Non-sampling errors can occur in both census and sample surveys.

15. What is the role of NSSO in data collection? Name the data collected by NSSO. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. The National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) conducts nationwide sample surveys on various socio-economic aspects to assist in policy formulation and planning.
2. It operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
3. Data collected includes employment and unemployment statistics, consumer expenditure, literacy rates, health facilities, and land and livestock holdings.

Teacher's Note:
a) Note that NSSO is now merged into NSO.
b) Mentioning specific socio-economic indicators demonstrates complete syllabus coverage.

NCERT text book questions

1. Mark the following statements as true or false. Give reasons [3 Marks]
a) There are many sources of data (true/false).

Answer:
1. True.
2. Data can be obtained from primary sources (direct collection through surveys, interviews) as well as secondary sources (published reports, government publications, books, and articles).

Teacher's Note:
a) Statement is true.
b) Back the classification with a brief mention of primary and secondary categories.

b) Telephone survey is the most suitable method of collecting data, when the population is literate and spread over a large area (true/false). [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. True.
2. When the population is spread over a large area, telephone surveys save travel time and cost while allowing quick communication, making it an efficient method when respondents can easily converse and respond.

Teacher's Note:
a) Statement is true.
b) Emphasize geographic spread and speed as the primary rationale for this choice.

c) Data collected by investigator is called the secondary data (true/false). [1 Mark]

Answer: False

1. Data collected directly by the investigator herself or himself is called primary data.
2. Secondary data refers to data that has already been collected and compiled by someone else.

Teacher's Note:
a) Primary data is first-hand information.
b) Always distinguish clearly between primary and secondary sources of data collection.

d) There is a certain bias involved in the non-random selection of samples (true/false). [1 Mark]

Answer: True

1. In non-random sampling, the investigator exercises personal judgment in choosing units.
2. This subjective choice introduces personal bias into the selection process.

Teacher's Note:
a) Random sampling ensures every unit has an equal chance of being selected, minimizing bias.
b) Non-random sampling lacks this objective mechanism.

e) Non-sampling errors can be minimised by taking large samples (true/false). [1 Mark]

Answer: False

1. Taking a larger sample reduces sampling errors, not non-sampling errors.
2. Non-sampling errors arise from defects in data collection, such as biased questionnaires or incorrect recording, and can increase with a larger sample size.

Teacher's Note:
a) Sampling error decreases as sample size increases.
b) Non-sampling errors require better planning and execution of the survey to be minimized.

2. In a village of 200 farms, a study was conducted to find the cropping pattern. Out of the 50 farms surveyed, 50% grew only wheat. Identify the population and the sample here. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Population: All 200 farms in the village.
2. Sample: The 50 farms that were actually surveyed.
3. The population represents the entire aggregate under study, while the sample is a subset drawn from it.

Teacher's Note:
a) Population refers to the totality of items under study in a given area.
b) A sample is a representative group chosen from the population for detailed observation.
c) Always identify the total scope for population and the surveyed count for the sample.

3. Give two examples each of sample, population and variable. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Population examples: All students in a school, all registered voters in a city.
2. Sample examples: 50 students chosen from a school, 500 voters interviewed during a poll.
3. Variable examples: Height of students, monthly income of households.

Teacher's Note:
a) A variable is a characteristic that takes on different values across individuals or items.
b) Ensure examples clearly distinguish between the entire group and the subset.
c) Variables must be measurable quantities or qualities.

4. Which of the following methods give better results and why?
a) Census
b) Sample [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Census generally provides more reliable and accurate results because every single unit of the population is investigated.
2. However, sample methods can sometimes give better practical results if the population is very large, as intensive supervision and lesser errors in data handling are possible.
3. In most standard statistical contexts, census is superior in accuracy, whereas sample is preferred for efficiency and cost.

Teacher's Note:
a) Census covers 100% of the population items.
b) Students must balance accuracy with constraints of time and cost.
c) Mention both absolute accuracy in census and practical feasibility in sampling.

5. Which of the following errors is more serious and why?
a) Sampling error
b) Non-Sampling error [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Non-sampling error is considered more serious.
2. Sampling error can be easily measured and minimized simply by increasing the sample size.
3. Non-sampling errors (such as response errors, non-response, and calculation mistakes) are difficult to detect and cannot be reduced merely by taking a larger sample.

Teacher's Note:
a) Non-sampling errors can occur in both sample and census surveys.
b) Sampling error arises purely due to the discrepancy between sample estimate and population parameter.
c) Emphasize that non-sampling errors corrupt the integrity of data collection.