Discuss the method of collection of data through schedules. Differentiate between questionnaire and schedule. Examine the merits and limitations of the schedule method of collecting data.

Ans.

This method of data collection is very much like the collection of data through questionnaire, with little difference which lies in the fact that schedules (proforma containing a set of questions) are being filled in by the enumerators who are specially appointed for the purpose. These enumerators along with schedules, go to respondents, put to them the questions from the proforma in the order the questions are listed and record the replies in the space meant for the same in the proforma. In certain situations, schedules may be handed over to respondents and enumerators may help them in recording their answers to various questions in the said schedules. Enumerators explain the aims and objects of the investigation and also remove the difficulties which any respondent may feel in understanding the implications of a particular question or the definition or concept of difficult terms.

This method requires the selection of enumerators for filling up schedules or assisting respondents to fill up schedules and as such enumerators should be very carefully selected. The enumerators should be trained to perform their job well and the nature and scope of the investigation should be explained to them thoroughly so that they may well understand the implications of different questions put in…..intelligent and must possess the capacity of cross-examination in order to find out the truth. Above all, they should be honest, sincere, hardworking and should have patience and perseverance.

This method of data collection is very useful in extensive enquiries and can lead to fairly reliable results. It is, however, very expensive and is usually adopted in investigations conducted by governmental agencies or by some big organisations. Population census all over the world is conducted through this method.

Difference between Questionnaire and Schedule

Questionnaires and schedules are widely used in collection of primary data. In practice, these two are used in the same sense but technically they differ as explained below:

Difference on the basis of Meaning and Format

(1) Generally questionnaire is filled in by the informants themselves, whereas the schedule is filled in by the enumerators on the basis of information obtained from informants. Questionnaire refers to a device for securing answers to questions by using a form which the respondents fills in himself. Schedule is the name usually applied to a set of questions which are asked and filled in face-to-face situation with another person.

(2) The pattern of schedule is ‘Blank Form’, in which blank space. is provided for giving answer of each item. In questionnaire there may or may not be blank space along with questions.

(3) The language of a questionnaire is in the form of questions, while in schedule such form is not used e.g. if the marital status of the informant is to be asked, then in questionnaire there will be a question that “what is your marital status ?”, while in a schedule the item will be mentioned as Marital Status….

Difference on the basis of Method and Techniques

(1) The questionnaire method can be adopted only when informants are educated. On the contrary the schedule method can be applicable equally to both types of informants educated or uneducated.

(2) There is no need of personal contact between informant and investigator in questionnaire method, whereas interview method is used for data collection on the basis of schedule.

(3) Generally, the informations remain incomplete, insufficient and inaccurate in questionnaire method but the degree of accuracy remains high in schedule on account of the ‘personal contact’ role of the investigators.

(4) The questionnaire is generally mailed to informants and they also return it by mailing system. In schedule system the investigator personally visits the informants and fill in the schedule after obtaining information from them.

(5) The questionnaire method is economical, while the schedule method becomes costly on account of expenditure on investigators.

(6) The individual researcher gives priority to questionnaire method in case of wide area of investigation, while the schedule method is generally used in the investigations carried on by institutions.

(7) There is problem of lack of proper response in questionnaire method. Hence, schedule method is suitable where data are to be collected in respect of every unit of the universe, e.g., population census.

Merits of Schedule Method

(1) In interview through schedule method the research worker finds himself close to the respondent. Due to this facility he can try to get maximum possible response. This facility is not found in questionnaire. The field worker himself fills the schedules and so he gets the maximum response.

(2) The field worker can create a favourable atmosphere for proper response. He can start some interesting discussion and develop the interest of the respondent before presenting the schedule. For getting correct replies right atmosphere is necessary.

(3) Due to personal presence of the field worker any doubt is easily removed.

(4) The schedule is filled in by the field worker himself and so the disadvantages of illegible handwriting of others are avoided.

Demerits of Schedule Method

(1) It is expensive and time taking. Besides it involves lot of money in training the field workers and in pains their salary and other expenses for moving in the field.

(2) The presence of field worker sometimes creates bias.

(3) Schedule methods has limited utility in the sense that it cannot be used in all circumstances and for all the places.

(4) Occasionally the field worker faces the problem of non response.

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