KARACHI, July 28: The data collection techniques are very important for decision-making and for the research work in almost every sphere of activity.

This was stressed by a prominent statistician Haider Zaidi, who is also a Consultant with the International Labour Organization (ILO).

He was conducting a day-long workshop on the “Importance of Data Collection”.

The moot was held under the auspices of the department of psychology, University of Karachi, at its premises.

As many as 30 students, representing various teaching departments of Karachi University, participated.

Haider Zaidi, who was facilitator of the workshop, stressed that precise data collection techniques be adopted so as to arrive at accurate decisions and undertake research in an effective manner.

He spoke about various kinds of interviews- -those conducted face to face, taken through mail or by telephone and pointed out that such interviews can be structured and unstructured depending upon the situation and requirements.

Haider Zaidi further pointed out that focused groups can also be organized. The questionnaires are also very helpful in this regard.

The chairman of the department of statistics, University of Karachi, Asim Jamal Siddiqui, also addressed the participants of the workshop.

Rakhshanda Talat Hussain, Chairperson of the Department of Psychology, in her address stressed the significance of research.—APP