Q. 5 Discuss and analyze the various data collection methods.

Which
method would most appropriate in your view while conducting
quantitative research? Discuss with arguments.

Ans:

Data collection

Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on

targeted variables in an established systematic fashion, which then enables
one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes. The data collection
component of research is common to all fields of study including physical and
social sciences, humanities and business. It help us to collect the main points
as gathered information. While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on
ensuring accurate and honest collection remains the same. The goal for all
data collection is to capture quality evidence that then translates to rich data
analysis and allows the building of a convincing and credible answer to
questions that have been posed.

The data collection plan specifies the details of the task. In essence it answers the questions
who, what, when, how and where.

Data Collection-Methods

Generally there are five types of data collection and they are:

1. Questionnaires and Surveys

This is an important and very popular method of data collection. This is

adopted by individuals, organization and government. In this method, a
questionnaire is prepared and sent to respondent by post. It is a set of
questions. The success of this method depends on the proper drafting of the
questions.
Surveys are a good way of gathering a large amount of data, providing a broad
perspective. Surveys can be administered electronically, by telephone, by mail or face to
face.
As surveys are self-reported by participants, there is a possibility that responses may be
biased. It is therefore vital that surveys used are designed and tested for validity and
reliability with the target groups who will be completing the surveys.
Questions within the survey can be asked in several ways i.e. closed questions, open-
ended and scaled questions, and multiple choice questions. Closed questions are usually
in the format of yes/no or true/false options. Open-ended questions on the other hand
 leave the answer entirely up to the respondent and therefore provide a greater range of
responses.
The use of scales is useful when assessing participants attitudes. A multiple choice
question may ask respondents to indicate their favorite topic covered in the program, or
most preferred activity.

2. Interviews:

Interview method is a direct method of collection of data, which is based on interview. It

is the most important methods of collection of data. Through this method we can know
the views and ideas of other persons. It is a method of social interaction. Interviews can
be conducted face-to-face or by telephone. They can range from in-depth, semi-structured
to unstructured depending on the information being sought, e.g. One-on-one
conversation with parent of at-risk youth who can help you understand the
issue

Face to face interviews are advantageous since:

Detailed questions can be asked

Further probing can be done to provide rich data

Literacy requirements of participants is not an issue

Nonverbal data can be collected through observation

Complex and unknown issues can be explored

Response rates are usually higher than for self-administered questionnaires.6

Disadvantages of face to face interviews include:

They can be expensive and time consuming

Training of interviewers is necessary to reduce interviewer bias

They are prone to interviewer bias and interpreter bias (if interpreters are used)

Sensitive issues may be challenging.

Telephone interviews are advantageous as they:

Are cheaper and faster than face to face interviews to conduct

Use less resources than face to face interviews

 Allow to clarify questions

Do not require literacy skills.

Disadvantages of telephone interviews include:

Having to make repeated calls as calls may not be answered the first time

Potential bias if call backs are not made so bias is towards those who are at home

Only suitable for short surveys

Only accessible to the population with a telephone

Not appropriate for exploring sensitive issues.

3. Focus groups:

Focus groups or group discussions are useful to further explore a topic, providing a broader
understanding of why the target group may behave or think in a particular way, and assist in
determining the reason for attitudes and beliefs. 1 They are conducted with a small sample of the
target group and are used to stimulate discussion and gain greater insights, e.g. a group of
parents of teenagers in an after-school program are invited to informally discuss
programs that might benefit and help their children succeed.

Focus groups and group discussions are advantageous as they:

Are useful when exploring cultural values and health beliefs

Can be used to examine how and why people think in a particular way and how is
influences their beliefs and values

Can be used to explore complex issues

Can be used to develop hypothesis for further research

Do not require participants to be literate.6

Disadvantages of focus groups include:

Lack of privacy/anonymity

Having to carefully balance the group to ensure they are culturally and gender
appropriate (i.e. Gender may be an issue)

Potential for the risk of group think (not allowing for other attitudes, beliefs etc.)
 Potential for group to be dominated by one or two people

Group leader needs to be skilled at conducting focus groups, dealing with conflict,
drawing out passive participants and creating a relaxed, welcoming environment

Are time consuming to conduct and can be difficult and time consuming to analyze.

4. Observations:

Observation method as the name itself indicates is based on observation. Observation is

keen and scientific study of a problem. Good source for providing additional
information about a particular group, can use video to provide
documentation. Can produce qualitative and quantitative data . For example, in
a study of consumer behavior the investigator instead of asking the brand of wrist watch
used by the respondent, may himself look at the watch.

5. Schedule Method

It is a proforma containing a set of questions. This proforma is filled by

enumerators who are specially identified for the purpose. The enumerators
are persons acting under the direction of researchers.

The Quantitative data collection methods, rely on random sampling and

structured data collection instruments that fit diverse experiences into
predetermined response categories. They produce results that are easy to
summarize, compare, and generalize. The most appropriate method for collecting quantitative data
is:

Surveys and questionnaires

Surveys and questionnaires use carefully constructed questions, often ranking or scoring
options or using closed-ended questions. A closed-ended question limits respondents to a
specified number of answers. For example, this is the case in multiple-choice questions.
Good quality design is particularly important for quantitative surveys and questionnaires.