The secondary data are to scrutinized before they are compiled from the sources . How does one examine the reliability .suitability accuracy and adequacy of secondary data.
Answers
Secondary data is that is collected by someone other than the user. The secondary data is already analyzed and is available to the public in the form of books, magazines, journals, newspaper etc.
Secondary data is available in the form of various published and unpublished sources. Therefore, before using the secondary data it is important to check for the following characteristics –
1. Reliability – It is important to check the reliability by testing the unbiasedness of the collecting person, the reliability of the information source, proper check on the accuracy of fieldwork, the methods used for the collection and analysis of the data, and the careful editing, tabulating and analysis.
2. Suitability - The object, scope, and nature of the original data must be studied and the data should be scrutinized carefully for suitability.
3. Adequacy - The data is considered inadequate if the accuracy levels of the data are found to be inadequate. Adequacy of the data may also be considered in the light of duration of time for which the data is available.