Question

Which data information can be collected randomly?
(a) Array
(b) Primary
(c) Secondary
(d) Raw

Answer 1

Hint: Data collection is a process of gathering information from all the relevant sources to find a solution to the research problem. Data collection methods are classified as primary or secondary. Primary data or raw data is a type of information that is obtained directly from the first-hand source through experiments, surveys or observations. Secondary data is data collected by someone other than the actual user.

Complete step-by-step solution:
We know that data collection is a process of gathering information from all the relevant sources to find a solution to the research problem. We can categorize data collection methods as primary or secondary.
Let us understand the primary data collection method. Primary data or raw data is a type of information that is obtained directly from the first-hand source through experiments, surveys or observations. We can further classify primary data into quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data is based on mathematical calculations using various formats like close-ended questions, correlation and regression methods, mean, median or mode measures. In qualitative data collection methods, we do not use mathematical calculations. It includes interviews, questionnaires, observations, case studies, etc.
Now, let us understand the secondary data collection method. Secondary data is data collected by someone other than the actual user. It means that the information is already available, and someone analyses it. We can call magazines, books, newspapers and journals as secondary data.
Let us see what an array is. An array data structure is a data structure consisting of a collection of elements, each identified by at least one array index or key. An array is stored such that the position of each element can be computed from its index tuple by a mathematical formula.
From the above definitions, we can see that primary or raw data can be collected randomly. For example, let us consider the weights of 15 students in a class:
49, 50, 56, 51, 60, 64, 59, 52, 65, 47, 53, 63, 55, 61, 48.
We can call the above data as primary or raw data as it is collected randomly.
Hence, the correct option is b and d.

Note: Students must note that an array is not a data collection method. It is related to computer science. Also, primary data is also known as raw data. We can classify qualitative data collection methods as observation method, interview method, questionnaire method and schedules. We can see from the above example that the data gathered is by qualitative method.