NCERT Class 11 Economics Statistics for Economics: Chapter 2 — INTRODUCTION
This chapter, "Collection of Data," is the first in the NCERT Statistics for Economics textbook for Class 11. It introduces the fundamental concepts of data collection, its purpose in economics, and the distinction between primary and secondary data sources. The chapter explains that data are observations of variables, which are essential for understanding economic problems and fluctuations, using food grain production as an example. It details how primary data is collected firsthand through surveys, while secondary data is collected and processed by other agencies. The importance of understanding the sources and methods of data collection is highlighted for effective statistical analysis in economics, aiding students in their CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Economics |
| Book | Statistics for Economics |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — INTRODUCTION |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 659 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the meaning and purpose of data collection in economics.
- Distinguish between primary and secondary sources of data.
- Identify different modes of data collection.
- Differentiate between Census and Sample Surveys.
- Become familiar with sampling techniques.
- Recognize important sources of secondary data.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Variable | A quantity that can assume any of a set of values, generally represented by letters like X, Y, or Z. |
| Observation | Each individual value of a variable. |
| Data | A tool that helps in understanding problems by providing information; values of variables. |
| Primary Data | Data collected by a researcher for the first time, based on first-hand information. |
| Secondary Data | Data collected and processed by some other agency and later used by a researcher. |
| Census Survey | A survey that collects data from every unit of the population. |
| Sample Survey | A survey that collects data from a subset (sample) of the population. |
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Practice questions
- What is the main purpose of data collection in economics? Answer: To show evidence for reaching a sound and clear solution to an economic problem.
- What is the difference between primary and secondary data? Answer: Primary data is collected firsthand by the researcher, while secondary data is collected and processed by another agency.
- Give an example of secondary data. Answer: Government reports, published documents, newspapers, books written by economists, or data from a website.
- What does the term 'variable' refer to in statistics? Answer: A quantity that can assume different values, like food grain production varying over years.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary goal of collecting data in economics?
The primary goal is to gather evidence that helps in finding clear and sound solutions to economic problems.
What are the two main sources of statistical data?
The two main sources are primary data, collected firsthand, and secondary data, collected by other agencies.
When is data considered primary?
Data is considered primary when it is collected by the researcher directly for the first time.
When is data considered secondary?
Data is considered secondary when it has already been collected and processed by someone else and is being used for a new study.
What is the advantage of using secondary data?
Using secondary data saves time and cost compared to collecting primary data.
What is a variable in the context of data?
A variable is a characteristic or quantity that can change or vary, like the production of food grains over different years.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 Economics — Statistics for Economics — Chapter 2 — INTRODUCTION. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.