Enumerator
Also called: Investigator · Topic: Economic Data: Census, NSS, Surveys and Statistical Tools · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "Collection of Data"; Class 11, Ch 8 "Use of Statistical Tools"
Meaning
An enumerator is a trained person who collects data in a survey. The enumerator asks the questions and fills in an interview schedule, which is a list of questions filled in by the enumerator, not by the respondent. Good training matters because a careless or biased enumerator can record wrong answers or influence them.
Example
National Sample Survey (NSS) enumerators visit households and canvass (fill in) the survey schedules. National Statistical Office (NSO) enumerators now do this on tablets using CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing). This cuts copying errors through built-in checks.
Don't confuse with
- Informant: the informant gives the information. The enumerator collects and records it.
Related concepts
- Primary data
- Secondary data
- Survey
- Variable
- Observation
- Questionnaire
- Informant
- Closed-ended question
- Open-ended question
- Leading question