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Question

The data taken from the publication "sankhya" will be considered as:

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2016 (Tier 1) Previous Year Question Paper (11-Sep-2016) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

secondary data

Understanding Data Types: Primary vs. Secondary Data

In statistics and research, data is broadly classified into two main types based on the method of collection:

  • Primary Data: This is data collected directly by the researcher for their specific study. It is original data gathered for the first time. Methods include surveys, interviews, experiments, direct observations, etc.
  • Secondary Data: This is data that has already been collected and compiled by someone else and is available from published or unpublished sources. The researcher uses this existing data for their own analysis. Sources include government publications, reports, journals, books, websites, etc.

Analyzing Data from a Publication like "Sankhya"

The question asks about data taken from the publication "Sankhya". A publication is a source where data that has already been collected and processed is presented. The individuals or organization publishing "Sankhya" are the primary collectors or compilers of that data.

When a researcher obtains data from such a publication, they are not collecting the data themselves directly from the original source (like individuals, companies, etc.). Instead, they are using data that has already been processed and published by another entity.

Therefore, data obtained from a publication falls under the category of secondary data.

Feature Primary Data Secondary Data
Originality Original, collected for the first time Already exists, collected previously
Source Collected directly from source (e.g., individuals, experiments) Obtained from existing publications or records
Collection Cost/Time Usually higher (requires planning, field work) Usually lower (data is readily available)
Specificity Collected to meet specific research needs May not perfectly fit the research needs, may require adjustments
Reliability/Accuracy Researcher controls data quality (potential for bias exists) Reliability depends on the original source and how it was collected/published
Example Conducting a new survey on consumer preferences Analyzing sales figures from a company's annual report

Based on the definitions and comparison, data taken from a publication like "Sankhya" is secondary data because it is not collected directly by the researcher but is obtained from an existing published source.

Revision Table: Key Data Concepts

Concept Description Type of Data
Data from a survey conducted by *you* You collected it for your study. Primary Data
Sales data from a government census report The government collected and published it. You are using their report. Secondary Data
Results from an experiment *you* performed You designed and executed the experiment. Primary Data
Information from a research paper or journal like "Sankhya" Another researcher or organization collected and published it. You are using their published work. Secondary Data

Additional Information: Sources of Secondary Data

Secondary data can be obtained from various sources. These sources can be broadly categorized:

  • Internal Sources: Data available within the organization itself, such as sales records, financial statements, customer databases, employee records.
  • External Sources: Data available outside the organization. These include:
  • Government publications (census data, economic surveys, statistical reports).
  • Non-government publications (research reports, journals, books, magazines).
  • Syndicated services (data collected and sold by research firms).
  • Databases (online or offline).
  • Websites and social media.
  • Archives and historical documents.

Using secondary data can save time and resources, but it's important to evaluate the reliability, relevance, and accuracy of the source.

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Similar Questions

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Important Questions from Sampling Theorems

  1. Four red balls, four green balls and four blue balls are put in a box. Three balls are pulled out of the box at random one after another without replacement. The probability that all the three balls are red is

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  3. A population (with mean $\mu$) follows normal distribution. Ten samples (N) are drawn at random with a mean value of “x” and standard deviation of “S”. Following table provides the confidence limits, C(t) of the cumulative probability function for Student's t - distribution two-tailed test with degree of freedom, D.

     

    C(t)

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  4. If the sample size ($n$) is 25 and the standard deviation ($\sigma$) of population is 2, then the standard error (SE) of sample mean, (rounded off to one decimal place), is ________.
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