Abstract

Two basic data sources required for research studies have been secondary and primary. Secondary data collection helps the researcher to provide relevant background to the study and are, in most cases, available for retrieval from recorded sources. Primary data collection requires the researcher to venture into the field where the study is to take place; armed with the relevant instruments - questionnaire, interview schedules or arranged meetings with the selected population - to solicit the necessary information. Data collected assist the researcher to answer the research questions and address the research problem. The collection, treatment, analysis and interpretation of both secondary and primary data combine to make the researcher produce a report. This paper proposes to present a systematic methodological application where data collected for a research study can be conveniently treated, analysed and interpreted. Attempt to present the collected primary data in both quantitative and qualitative spheres will be made so that researchers who use either method or both are able to apply them confidently.

Key words: Research study, researchers, data, analysis, statistics.