Programmethodological and organizational issues statistical observation

Start statistical research flows into next sequence: precisely formulated purpose of the study→ are placed specific tasks , and thus the information that can be obtained during the observation process is clarified → determined object and unit of observation→ being developed program→ selected view And observation method.

Observation object– a set of socio-economic phenomena and processes that are subject to research, and the exact boundaries within which statistical information will be recorded. In a number of cases, one or another qualification is used to delimit the object of observation. A qualification is a restrictive feature that all units of the population under study must satisfy.

Unit of observation called component object, which serves as the basis of the account and has characteristics that are subject to registration during observation.

Surveillance program– this is a list of issues on which information is collected, or a list of characteristics and indicators to be registered. The observation program is drawn up in the form of a form (questionnaire, form) in which primary information is entered. A necessary addition to the form is instructions (or instructions on the forms themselves) explaining the meaning of the question. The composition and content of the questions in the observation program depend on the objectives of the study and on the characteristics of the social phenomenon being studied.

When organizing statistical observation, it is established observation period, i.e. the period of time during which the observation will be carried out, and the exact time to which the recorded information relates is determined - objective observation time(this can be either a specific moment, or one or another period (day, decade, month, quarter, year)). The point in time to which the recorded information is dated is called critical moment of observation.

The main characteristics of statistical observation are presented in Fig. 2.1.

Reporting- this is an organizational form in which observation units (accountable persons) represent deadlines to the relevant authorities information about their activities in the form of regulated forms. It is mandatory, documented, since reporting indicators are compiled according to primary accounting data (operational, accounting), and legally confirmed by the signature of the manager. Report forms are called statistical reporting forms. Each of them has its own code and name.

Specially organized statistical observations carried out in the form of censuses, one-time registration and special surveys.

Census is a specially organized registration of data on specific date. During censuses, information is obtained for which no systematic and complete accounting is maintained using appropriate documentation. Censuses are usually conducted at regular intervals (after 5 years, 10 years, etc.), i.e. periodically. Periodic surveys contribute to the study of development patterns, structural changes, etc.

One-time accounting, like a census, is carried out for the purpose of registering facts on a certain date, and takes place if primary accounting materials or current reporting are used to obtain information. With one-time accounting, statistical forms (forms), as a rule, are filled out by employees of specific enterprises and organizations, which significantly saves time and money. One-time accounting is irregular, it is carried out as the need for data arises.

Special statistical survey organized if additional detail of certain indicators is required.

Specified organizational forms statistical observation, being complementary

Statistical observation. Types of statistical observation.

Statistical observation is a massive, systematic, scientifically organized observation of economic and social life. This observation may be carried out by authorities state statistics, research institutes, economic services of banks, exchanges, firms, etc.

The process of conducting statistical observation includes the following stages:

· preparation of observation;

· carrying out mass data collection;

· preparing data for automated processing;

· development to improve statistical observation.

The data collected must satisfy two basic requirements: reliability and comparability. Credibility- this is the correspondence of the data to what actually exists. All methods, organization and techniques for conducting statistical observation (SN) should be aimed at providing reliable data.

In order for data on individual phenomena to be generalized, they must be comparable with each other, i.e. meet using the same method and at the same time. In addition, there must be comparability with past studies to understand how the phenomenon is changing.

Comparability is achieved if the same definition of observation unit, the same method of recording primary characteristics and the same calculation method were used secondary signs, such as profitability, labor productivity, liquidity, etc.

An important condition comparability is to preserve the time of observation and the time period to which the recorded data relates. For example, the number of university students is determined as of October 1 school year, scholarship fund- for six months, etc. It is generally recommended that the data match at least one full cycle the process being studied, for example, educational, economic or financial year etc. If seasonality is highly influential, data should be collected quarterly. The observation time is selected so that the object is in the most stable state.

Statistical observation is subdivided to the views. Let's present these types in the following table:

Forms, types and methods of statistical observation.

Based on the time of registration of facts, they are distinguished continuous(current), periodic And one-time. Continuous observation is carried out systematically, constantly, continuously, as phenomena occur. For example, births and deaths, marriages and divorces are registered in the registry office, production output, attendance and absence of employees, settlements with debtors and creditors are taken into account at enterprises, cash payments. With periodic observation, registration is carried out at certain, usually equal intervals of time. For example, recording student performance based on exam session data. A one-time observation is carried out once to solve a particular problem or is repeated at indefinite intervals as needed, for example, a housing census, etc. The use of one or another type of observation depends on the specifics of the object being studied. It happens that both current and one-time observations are used to study the same process. For example, population consumption is studied state statistics according to current observation data (budget survey). At the same time, many research teams study consumption using data from one-time observations.

Based on the coverage of population units, they distinguish solid And not continuous observation. With continuous observation, all units in the population without exception are subject to registration. It is used in the population census. The development of a mixed economy has increased the number of facilities economic activity. This contributed to the expansion of the practice of partial observation, which in turn is divided into a method main array, selective And monographic.

With the method main array The main array is examined - that part of the units that makes the greatest contribution to the phenomenon being studied. Part of a population that is known to not play big role into the characteristics of the population, is excluded from observation, i.e. with this method, the largest units are selected and examined. The logic of the method is that large units can practically determine the statistical indicators that interest us. Often, the use of the main array method requires an established qualification - a characteristic value that limits the object of observation. For example, enterprises with 500 or more employees are surveyed.

At selective those selected in the in a certain order part of the population units, and the results are extended to the entire population. In this case, they obtain information about the entire population by studying only part of it.

At monographic observation, individual units of the population are described in detail for the purpose of their in-depth study, which cannot be as detailed with mass observation. The main attention is paid to the qualitative aspects of the phenomenon. An example is ethnographic surveys, when the lifestyle of a family or several families is studied.

According to the source of information, observation is divided into direct, documented And survey. Direct observation is carried out by registering the studied units and their characteristics based on direct inspection, counting, weighing, and instrument readings.

During documented observation, various primary accounting documents of enterprises, institutions and organizations are used as sources of statistical information. Direct observation and documented ones are the most reliable in statistical observation. When conducting a survey, the data sources are information provided by the respondents themselves.

Preparation of statistical observation. To conduct a statistical observation, you need to formulate its purpose and the main hypotheses that must be tested against the observation data. At this stage it is determined an object And units observation, an observation program is developed and approved. The definition of the object of observation includes the definition units of observation, territories And observation time. An observation unit is a phenomenon whose characteristics are subject to registration. The set of observation units constitutes the object of observation.

The observation area covers all locations of observation units; its boundaries depend on the definition of the unit of observation.

The observation time is the time to which the collected data relates. The registration time for all units is set at the same time. When studying objects whose numbers and characteristics are continuously changing, it is established critical date, as of which information is collected. During a census, the start time and end time of data recording are usually set. When studying such a moving object as a population, it is not enough to establish the observation time. (on average in our country 3 people are born and 3-4 people die). Therefore, data is recorded at a specific point in time, called the critical observation point. The critical moment in the 1994 census was taken to be 0 a.m. from 13 to 14 February.

The observation program includes characteristics to be recorded for each observation unit. Its content depends on the goals and objectives of the survey. The program must satisfy the following principles:

1) no information not related to this survey;

2) do not include in the surveillance program those questions that may seem suspicious to people and to which inaccurate answers can be expected.

Questions must be logically connected, which allows you to control the correctness of the answers. Response forms can be digital, alternative (yes or no), or multiple-choice, where the answer consists of selecting one or more options from a variety of proposed answers. The tools for statistical observation are forms (forms, questionnaires, questionnaires) and instructions for filling them out.

Errors in statistical observation. No matter how carefully the observation tools are compiled and the instructions given to the performers, the observation material always needs control. First of all, the completeness of coverage of observation units is checked. Data is verified against the lists and completed questionnaires are recalculated. At the same time, the completeness of filling out each observation form - reporting forms, questionnaires, etc. - is checked.

All observation errors can be called registration errors. They can be random and systematic. They arise during a survey. Random errors do not have any direction. These are clerical errors, slips of the tongue, rearrangements of numbers when recording. When generalizing mass material, they cancel each other out and cannot distort the values ​​of summary indicators and the results of analysis.

Systematic errors have a certain direction. These errors are intentional (eg, underreporting your income, rounding your age). All errors of this type must be identified and corrected. Therefore, after checking the completeness of the data, they are monitored - counting and logical.

Counting control is based on a strict connection between characteristics and is carried out arithmetic operations. This control accurately identifies the error and allows it to be corrected. Logical control is based on the logical relationship between characteristics (for example, a 10-year-old is married or has higher education). Usually, to check the incoming observation material, a control scheme is drawn up, which includes all the connections between questions: both arithmetic and logical. Observation data are considered accepted if they have passed the control, and if necessary, corrections have been made to them. The collected data is verified First stage statistical observation.

The basis for the specific division of statistical observations is based on two criteria: 1) continuity of recording facts over time; 2) completeness of coverage of population units.

1. By continuity of accounting of facts over time statistical observations can be current, periodic And one-time. These types of observation do not have much practical significance in criminological and socio-legal studies, since their implementation, as a rule, requires ongoing monitoring of crime, administrative offenses, civil court or arbitration decisions for a long period time, taking into account changes in population dynamics, changes in legislation, judicial practice, accounting and reporting forms.

Crime, for example, cannot be studied through one-time or periodic observation, as can be done with demographic census population size and structure or studying personnel law enforcement. In-depth criminological or tortological research should be based on official statistical reporting by the prosecutor's office, internal affairs, and turnover control narcotic drugs And psychotropic substances and other law enforcement agencies, where records are based on the principle of continuous recording of offenses and crimes over time. Although this does not at all exclude one-time, and even more so periodic statistical observations, they are rarely used. For example, on Faculty of Law Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov conducted a comparative study of crime in Moscow for 1968-1969. in comparison with a similar study of crime in the capital in 1923.

2. By completeness of coverage of population units observation can be continuous or incomplete.

Continuous observation in statistics, this is a complete accounting of the units of the population. For example, a complete record of all known crimes or administrative offenses committed in a city, republic, or Federation; identified persons who committed crimes; other social phenomena and processes related to crime or delinquency. Complete observation is the most reliable and reliable, but it can be carried out only on a limited number of signs, which is what we see in the current reports of criminal or administrative justice authorities.

To organize the fight against crimes and misdeeds, sometimes in a limited period of time, information is needed that is not in official reports, and obtaining it in a continuous way is expensive, time-consuming, difficult or practically impossible. In these cases, they resort to continuous observation. It does not aim to exhaustively study necessary information by country, region, city. Some part is studied that provides relatively reliable and reliable data. IN otherwise the information collected can lead to erroneous and even harmful decisions.

Non-continuous observation can be: a) monographic; b) examination of the main massif; c) questionnaire, or sociological; d) selective. Each of them has positive and negative sides.

The simplest type of non-continuous statistical observation is monographic. It is used for an in-depth study of isolated, but typical criminological or socio-legal objects. For example, when studying crime in a city, a criminological survey of an enterprise is carried out in which high level economic crimes and offenses or, conversely, where a high level of law and order is established. A monographic description is applicable when studying issues that cannot be investigated with mass observations and limited forces and means. It is unrepresentative and is permissible only if the objects of study are typical (atypical) or characteristic, by studying which it is possible to establish the reasons for the existing features.

The next method of continuous observation is survey of the main massif, where the largest or most complex units of observation are collected for study by the researcher. For example, when studying the criminological situation in a region, two or three cities (districts) are selected for in-depth statistical observation, which, according to certain indicators (population, industrial and cultural development, the level of crime and delinquency, the activities of law enforcement agencies and courts) are the most characteristic and important. Based on their study, while saving effort and money, you can make general conclusions by region. A similar approach can be implemented in a separate city, district or district to study the real state of affairs based on a survey of individual enterprises, institutions, territories, etc. This practice is widespread in law enforcement agencies cities and districts, subjects of the Federation and especially in the General Prosecutor's Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, which conduct spot checks in places. It is productive and economical, especially when the main array is chosen correctly. When making such observations, it is necessary to remember that for some conclusions the representativeness of the main array may not be sufficient to judge a city, a subject of the Federation or the country as a whole.

Another way of continuous observation is questionnaire, or sociological. It is usually carried out in the form of specially organized statistical surveys and aims to collect information that is not available in the relevant institutions and their official documents. It is impossible to study the level of legal consciousness, public opinion, interests and orientations of citizens and get others important information without resorting to questionnaires. WITH technical side the sociological method consists of filling out specially designed questionnaires. They can be filled out both by the respondent himself and by special persons during a conversation with the respondent or based on study necessary documents(criminal cases, materials about administrative offenses, civil cases, etc.).

Solid questionnaire Citizens, offenders, convicts, prisoners, plaintiffs, defendants, judges, investigators and other persons are usually difficult to identify: some respondents may be absent during the survey, others will not return the questionnaire, and others will refuse to answer at all. Nevertheless, this method of incomplete observation, if the appropriate procedures are followed, can be quite reliable and representative; when it is carried out, it is possible to relatively accurately calculate the error that is formed during an incomplete survey, as opposed to a continuous one. These issues will be discussed in more detail in Chap. 6 textbooks.

The last method of continuous observation is selective. It allows, with greater reliability than other methods of partial observation, to conduct a study, calculate the necessary limits of accuracy and introduce appropriate corrections into the results obtained. Due to the importance and widespread in criminological and socio-legal research sample observation discussed in detail in Chap. 5 textbooks.

In specific socio-legal and criminological studies, organizational forms (official statistical reporting and specially organized surveys), types (continuous and non-continuous) and methods (sampling, study of the main body, questionnaire, monographic) of statistical observation, as a rule, are combined, forming a complex statistical observation.

This chapter only gives general idea about statistical observation, its forms and types. The specific application of some of them requires additional knowledge. In order to complete them, a description of official accounting and reporting legal institutions, sociological methods collection of legal information and sampling method non-continuous observations are discussed in Chap. 4-6 textbooks, which are essentially a continuation of this chapter.

Types and forms of statistical observation

• See: Comparative criminological research crime in Moscow in 1923 and 1968-1969. M., 1971.
• See: Noel E. Mass polls. Introduction to demoscopic techniques. Per. sleep M., 1978.

Organizational forms of statistical observation	Types of statistical observation	Methods of statistical observation
according to the time of registration of facts	by coverage of population units
1. Statistical reporting 2. Specially organized observation 3. Registers	1. Current or continuous 2. Intermittent: a) periodic; b) one-time	1. Solid 2. Continuous: a) selective; b) main, array; c) monographic	1. Direct 2. Documentary 3. Survey: a) expeditionary; b) self-registration of the radio; c) correspondent; d) questionnaire; d) appearing

Statistical observation is a process that, from the point of view of its organization, can have a variety of methods, forms and types of implementation. The task general theory statistics is to determine the essence of methods, forms and types of observation to resolve the question of where, when and what observation techniques will be used.

Statistical observations have two main groups:

• 1) coverage of population units;
• 2) time of registration of facts.

According to the level of coverage of the population under study, statistical observation is divided into two types: continuous and not continuous.

Continuous (complete) observation means coverage of all units of the population being studied.

By non-continuous observation we mean only the coverage of a certain part of the population being studied.

There are several types of non-continuous observation: selective; observation of the main massif; monographic.

Sample observation refers to a part of the units of the population under study, selected by random selection. The method of momentary observations is called selective observation, which involves the selection of not only units of the population under study, but also the points in time at which the registration of characteristics is carried out.

Observation of the main array represents the coverage of the survey of certain, most significant signs units of the population.

Monographic observation is characterized by comprehensive and full study only some units of the population that have some special characteristics or represent some new phenomenon. The purpose of such observation is to identify existing or emerging trends in development this process or phenomena. Monographic observation is closely related to continuous and selective observations.

Based on the time of registration of facts, an observation can be continuous and discontinuous. Continuous observation, in turn, includes periodic and one-time monitoring.

Continuous (current) observation is implemented by continuously recording facts as they become available.

Continuous observation is carried out either systematically at set intervals, or once and irregularly as needed.

The specificity of one-time observation is that facts are recorded not in connection with their occurrence, but according to their condition or presence at a certain moment or over a period of time. Quantitative measurement signs of any phenomenon or process occurs at the time of the survey, and re-registration of signs may not be carried out at all or the timing of its implementation is not determined in advance.

Methods of obtaining statistical information are documentary method of observation; method of direct observation: survey.

Documentary observation is based on the use of data as a source of information various documents. Considering that filling out such documents, as a rule, requires high requirements, the data reflected in them is of the most reliable nature and can serve as high-quality source material for analysis.

Direct observation is carried out by recording facts personally established by the registrars as a result of inspection, measurement, and counting of signs of the phenomenon being studied. In this way, prices for goods and services are recorded, working hours are measured, inventories of warehouse balances are taken, etc.

The survey is based on obtaining data from respondents. A survey is used in cases where observation cannot be carried out by other means. This type of observation is typical for conducting various sociological surveys and public opinion polls.

Statistical information can be obtained different types polls : forwarding, correspondent, questionnaire, appearance.

The expedition survey is carried out by specially trained workers who record the respondents’ answers in observation forms. The form is a document form in which you need to fill in the answer fields.

The correspondent method assumes that, on a voluntary basis, the staff of respondents reports information directly to the body conducting surveillance. The disadvantage of this method is that it is difficult to verify the correctness of the information received.

In the questionnaire method, respondents fill out questionnaires voluntarily and mostly anonymously. Since this method of obtaining information is not reliable, it is used in those studies where it is not required high accuracy results. In some situations, approximate results are sufficient, which only capture the trend and record the emergence of new facts and phenomena.

The personal method involves submitting information to the authorities conducting surveillance in person. In this way, acts of civil status are registered: marriage, divorce, death, birth, etc.

The theory of statistics also considers forms of statistical observation: reporting; specially organized statistical observation; registers.

Statistical reporting is the main form of statistical observation, which is characterized by the fact that statistical authorities receive information about the phenomena being studied in the form special documents, represented by enterprises and organizations within certain deadlines and according to in the prescribed form. The very forms of statistical reporting, methods of collecting and processing statistical data, the methodology of statistical indicators established by the State Statistics Committee of Russia are official statistical standards Russian Federation and are mandatory for all subjects of public relations.

Statistical reporting is divided into specialized and standard. The composition of standard reporting indicators is the same for all enterprises and organizations, while the composition of specialized reporting indicators depends on the specifics individual industries economy and sphere of activity.

According to the deadlines for submission, statistical reporting can be daily, weekly, ten-day, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual.

Statistical reporting can be transmitted by telephone, via communication channels, on electronic media with mandatory subsequent submission on paper, signed by the responsible persons.

Specially organized statistical observation is a collection of information organized by statistical bodies, either to study phenomena not covered by reporting, or to study reporting data in more depth, verify and clarify it. Various kinds censuses, one-time surveys are specially organized observations.

Registers are a form of observation in which the facts of the state of individual units of the population are continuously recorded. Observing a unit of the aggregate, it is assumed that the processes occurring there have a beginning, a long-term continuation and an end. In the register, each observation unit is characterized by a set of indicators. All indicators are stored as long as the observation unit is in the register and has not expired. Some indicators remain unchanged as long as the observation unit is in the register, others may change from time to time. An example of such a register is the Unified State Register of Enterprises and Organizations (USRPO). All work related to its maintenance is carried out by the State Statistics Committee of Russia.

statistical observation information error

Table 1.1

Forms, types and methods of statistical observation

		Method of implementation
Periodic reporting (enterprises)	I. By frequency: One-time Periodic	1. Direct observation
Specially organized statistical observation: a) census b) one-time observation c) special statistical survey	II. By coverage: Solid Selective Main array Monographic	2. Documentary observation
		a) expeditionary b) questionnaire c) correspondent d) self-registration

Let us consider the forms, types and methods of statistical observation in more detail.

Forms of statistical observation

1.Periodic reporting – This is a statistical observation that is carried out at least once a year. Periodic reporting of an enterprise can be monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual.

2. If the necessary statistical data are not available during the reporting period, specially organized statistical observation.

Census – This is a specially organized observation of mass social phenomena and processes, which is carried out on a certain date in time: a population census, a census of unidentified equipment, a census of livestock, fruit trees, etc.

One-time observation – This is a specially organized statistical observation for the study of social phenomena, which is carried out regularly once every 2, 3 or 5 years.

Special statistical survey carried out as necessary and is selective.

The following types of statistical observation are distinguished.

Types of statistical observation

I. By frequency:

1. Current is an observation that is carried out continuously as the phenomenon occurs.

2. One-time – This is an observation that is carried out as needed, usually once every 2, 3, 5 years.

3. Periodic – This is an observation that is carried out at certain, usually equal, intervals.

II. By coverage:

1. Continuous is an observation in which all units of the population are examined.

2. Sampling is an observation in which a certain, scientifically based part of the population is studied, and the results of the observation are distributed to the entire population.

3. The main array is an observation in which the most typical (main) part of the population is examined.

4. Monographic – consists of detailed description one or more units of the population being studied.

Methods for conducting statistical observation

Methods of conducting statistical observation include:

Direct – carried out by recording facts directly by the person conducting the observation.

Documentary – based on the use of various documents as sources of information about the object being studied.

A survey is the process of obtaining data by recording the responses given by the persons being surveyed.

Expedition survey - carried out directly by specially trained persons.

A questionnaire is a survey that is conducted by sending out or distributing questions and receiving them back.

Correspondent – ​​forms are sent to specially trained individuals, which they periodically fill out and send back.

Self-registration is the registration of answers to questions posed by the respondents themselves.