A community-based study of respiratory illness during the first year of life was performed in Central India. The following table represents the data according to socio-economic status, the number of children, and the number of children who developed symptoms of respiratory illness:

This data was collected through face-to-face interviews involving a team of pediatricians and social scientists. The community belonged to a rural area in Central India (State of Chhattisgarh), where there were 1500 households. A total of 100 households were selected with fifty each from the left and right of the main lane of the community. To facilitate the process of interviews, interviewers collected information through a validated questionnaire in the local language, which was pilot-tested in the community.

Which of the following combinations is true with respect to mechanisms of data collection? (a: pilot tested; b: involved three members; c: Computerized system of data collection; d: face-to-face)

Correct option is B

From the provided passage, it is evident that the data collection process:
· Was pilot tested in the local language to ensure reliability (a is correct).
· Involved face-to-face interviews conducted by trained interviewers (d is correct).
No indication of a computerized system (c) or involvement of exactly three members (b) in the passage. Thus, the correct combination is (a, d).
Additional Knowledge: Methods of Data Collection:
1. Face-to-Face: Effective for complex questions but time-consuming.
2. Computerized Systems: Speed up data processing but require tech infrastructure.
3. Pilot Testing:
· Helps in detecting ambiguities.
· Ensures the questionnaire is culturally and contextually appropriate.