Elementary Statstics

2.1.9.3 Information from Correspondents

Under this method, the investigator appoints local agents or correspondents in different places to collect information.
These correspondents collect and transmit the information to the central office where the data are processed. Newspaper agencies generally adopt this method. Correspondents in different places supply information relating to such events as accidents, riots, strikes, etc., to the head office. The correspondents may be paid or honorary persons but generally they are paid. This method is also adopted by various departments of government in such cases where regular information is to be collected from a wide area. For example, in the construction of wholesale price index numbers regular information is obtained from correspondents appointed in different areas. This method is particularly suitable in case of crop estimates. The special advantage of this method is that it is cheap and appropriate for extensive investigation. However, it may not always ensure accurate results because of the personal prejudice and bias of the correspondents.

Suitability. As stated above, this method is generally adopted in those cases where the information is to be obtained at regular intervals from a wide area.