Define Data and its
types in Social Science. Explain its scope and nature?
1.
Introduction
The word ‘data’ is Latin in
origin, and literally, it means anything that is given.
Data is usually an observed fact,
obtained on the basis of a systematic survey or study, relating to a certain
activity.
2.
Definition
i. UNESCO defines
data as ‘facts, concepts or instructions in a formalised manner
suitable for communication,
interpretation or processing by human or automatic means’.
ii.
Shuman
defines data as “quantitative facts derived from experimentation, calculation,
or direct observation”. Shuman opines that a more meaningful definition of data
is “the symbolisation of knowledge”.
3.
Types of Data in Social Sciences
3.1 Data with
reference to scale of measurement: Based on the scale of
measurement,
data can be categorised as follows:
3.1.1
Nominal data: The
nominal scale is used for assigning numbers asthe identification of individual
unit.
3.1.2
Ordinal data: The
ordinal data show the direction of the difference and not the exact amount of difference.
3.1.3
Interval data – Interval
data are ordered categories of data and the differences between various
categories are of equal measurement.
3.1.4
Ratio data – Ratio
data are the quantitative measurement of a variable in terms of magnitude.
3.2
Data with reference to continuity: Data with reference to continuity can be
categorised as follows:
3.2.1 Continuous data – Continuous
data are an infinite set of possible values.
3.2.2 Discrete data – The
discrete data are finite or potentially countable set of values.
3.3 Data with
reference to number of characteristics: Data can also be categorised on the
basis of number of variables.
3.3.1 Univariate
data – Univariate data are obtained when one characteristic is used for
observation.
3.3.2
Bivariate data – Bivariate
data result when instead of one, two characteristics are measured simultaneously.
3.3.3
Multivariate data – Multivariate data consist of observations on three or
more characteristics.
3.4 Data with
reference to time
3.4.1
Time series data – Data recorded in a chronological order across time
are referred to as time series data.
3.4.2 Cross-sectional data – This refers to
data for the same unit or for
different
units at a point of time.
3.5 Data with
reference to origin
3.5.1
Continuous data – The data obtained first hand from individuals by direct
observation, counting, and measurement or by interviews or mailing a
questionnaire are called primary data.
3.5.2 Secondary
data – The data collected initially for the purpose and already
published in books or reports but are used later on for some other purpose are
referred to as secondary data.
3.6 Data with
reference to characteristic
3.6.1 Quantitative data
3.6.2 Qualitative data
4.
Nature of Data
4.1
Numerical data: All data in science are numerical
in nature.
4.2 Descriptive data: qualitative data
in sciences are expressed in terms of definitive statements concerning objects.
4.3 Graphic and symbolic data: Graphic and
symbolic data are modes of presentation. They enable users to grasp data by
visual perception.
4.4 Enumerative data: Most data in
social sciences are enumerative in nature.
5.
Properties of data
5.1
Amenability of use: data are meant
to be used as a base for arriving at definitive conclusions. Amenability to use
nevertheless remains a characteristic of data.
5.2
Clarity: data should necessarily display the essence
of matter.
5.3
Accuracy: Data should be real, complete and
accurate.
5.4 Essence: Data should present the essence or derived qualitative
value, of the matter.
5.5 Aggregation: Aggregation
is cumulation or adding up.
5.6 Compression: Compressed
data are manageable and can be grasped quickly.
5.7
Refinement: Data
require processing or refinement. When refined, they arecapable of leading to
conclusions or even generalisations.
6.
Scope of Data
6.1
Utility of Data – Data have great utility of their
use in the growth of knowledge. Data also alter concepts and remove
uncertainty. Data, then, are indispensable in research and in planning and
decision-making. The importance of data is no less in managing libraries and
library services.
6.2
Size of Data- Size of the data involves the
coverage of the subject under study, data elements, and data population
covering documents, data banks, and field survey.
6.3
Period of Data – Data collection for any research
problem must indicate the time span.
The importance
of data in library service is manifold. Librarians are users of data in more
than one way. They collect bibliographic data for providing services and
generate and use non-bibliographic data for managing these services. Apart from
these, they are required to make available data to researchers and planner
according to their subject interests. All investigations begin and end with
data.
7.
Conclusion
Data
literally means anything that is given. They are facts or information used in
discussing or deciding something. In short, the term data includes facts, figures,
letters symbols, words, charts or graphs that represent an idea, object or
condition.
Reference:
Ignou MLSc. Study Material
