Data Collection Techniques
Staci Shockley
Applied Research LS 698-01
Kaplan University
September 21, 2015
Running head: DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES 1
DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES 4
DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES
Data collection techniques Data collection is a very essential aspect in all research studies. Normally, inaccurate data collection methods tend to have a very big impact to the results of the study and this eventually leads to invalid results. The data collection techniques in many cases vary along a continuum, for instance at one end of the continuum are the quantitative methods and techniques while of the other side are the qualitative techniques for data collection (Kuada, 2012). In both qualitative and quantitative techniques, there are there are various methods used for data collection. In qualitative research for instance, the various data collection techniques used include interviews, observations, and focus group discussions among other techniques. In this case, however, the most appropriate techniques especially in the qualitative research are focus group discussions and interviews on the other hand.
Interviews
Focusing on interviews as a qualitative method, it comprises of structured, semi structured as well as unstructured interviews. The structured interviews are largely verbally administered questionnaires. Usually predetermined questions are asked, the questions have no variation, and they have no scope especially for follow up questions
(2005) which explain that the exploration and description of case take place through detailed, in-depth data collection methods which multiple sources of data collection method in order to acquire information that are rich in context .Tessier (20120 supported that combination of data collection methods should be used in qualitative study to improve quality of data
The research topic is selected, the testable research question is developed, research on the topic is found, the literature review is completed, and a decision is made on the research design. Now, one of the most important steps in the research process to accomplish is the collection of data. Notwithstanding the research project and whether the method of research is whether qualitative or quantitative, data must be collected. Data collection is essential whether the method of choice is a mail survey, a telephone survey, an interview, an experiment, field research, or secondary data analysis. Data collection is an important aspect of any research study. Inaccurate data can impact the results of a study and ultimately lead to invalid results. During the data collection step, a significant amount of time, energy and attention are required. In order to ensure the data collection process is valid and successful, one should adhere to the four steps involved: (1) the construction of a collection data form which is used to organize all data that is collected; (2) the designation of the coding strategy used to represent data on a data collection form; (3) the collection of the actual data; and (4) entry into the data collection form (Salkind, 2012).
There are two types of collecting data for research, which are qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative research is used to gain a thorough explanation about a phenomena, and ‘is normally recognisable via the use of methods that include, at least, in-depth interview and group-moderation techniques’ (Bailey 2013)
• There is no way of telling how much thought a respondent has put in
The methodology was described with the data collection method. Quantitative and qualitative questionnaire which consisted of closed questions with a choice of fixed answers and free text to enhance qualitative data were sent out in the form of mailshot, followed by telephone call to non-respondents and it was repeated for more wider sample results to gain more evidence to reduce bias (Parahoo, 2006).
Qualitative method is using open-ended questioning, non-statistical research techniques, or value-based observations. In this research, three main methodologies are adopted as focus group, distributing questionnaires and conducting personal interviews simultaneously. Methods are all appropriate and contributed to a comprehensive research. The reason is that aim of this research is to acquire an in-depth understanding of
Following a critical overview of the literature, this chapter outlines the research methodology. It will provide a justification for a qualitative methodological approach and specification of methods employed. Highlighting the appropriateness of interviews and focus groups in relation to the methodology and overall research. It will also provide recognition of their relative strengths and limitations.
“Problems researched with the use of appropriate methods greatly enhance the value of the research.” (Sekaran, 2003) Data can be collected through interviews, questionnaires, observations, and through other techniques, like projective tests. In even more detail, interviews can be conducted in a variety of different ways such as over the phone, through the computer, interviews through the electronic media, and face-to-face. Questionnaires can be conducted personally or administered electronically. “Interviewing, administering questionnaires, and observing people and phenomena are the three main data collection methods in survey research.” (Sekaran, 2003) As stated before, data can be collected in many different ways; however the value of the research is only greatly enhanced when personal opinions and bias is left out of the collection of data.
According to IRB procedures, the principal investigator (PI) should obtain IRB approval from the school - Grand Canyon University (GCU) before starting data collection procedures. Next, the PI will decide on the methods require by the Passaic County, New Jersey urban schools district granting permission to administer and securing the study at each site if necessary. If the research is to be conducted at multiple locations, the PI must obtain approval from each of those places that have their individual IRB approval requirements. The next step for the PI is to communicate with the target schools district in identifying the ten ESL teachers that work with ESL students in Passaic County, New Jersey urban
Qualitative interviewing can be semi-structured and unstructured. However both forms of interviews have three certain features in common. Firstly, qualitative interviewing is an exchange of dialogue between the interviewee and the interviewer (Edwards & Holland, 2013). Secondly, the researcher will have specific topics and issues that they wish to cover in the interview, however, how this information is collected is flexible (Edwards & Holland, 2013). Lastly, “a perspective regarding knowledge as situated and contextual, requiring the researcher to ensure that relevant contexts are brought into focus so that
The proposed methodology is a primary qualitative approach of semi-structured interviews. This method has been chosen as the focus of this
In general, there are several methods for data collection and the different data collection methods provided its own advantages and disadvantages (Sekaran 2003, p. 223). For carrying out the data collection, the appropriate methods should be applied. In the research, the data collection could be done through the interview, for example, face-to-face and telephone interview. To collect the data by using interview technique, the questionnaire is commonly employed as the instrument for gathering data, the questionnaire could be able to distribute by mail or electronic mail. In addition, the data collection could be conducted by observation of individuals with or without audio or video recording. Before choosing the methods for data collection the expertise of the researcher, the degree of accuracy required, time and resources must be taken into consideration. Thus,
The main objective of this assignment was to investigate how focus groups techniques are used to collect primary data about the phenomenon at hand in the real world.
There are a few ways, techniques used to gather data in sociology. For this study, we are utilizing techniques of observation, this was done by going out somewhere, like a mall, and watching what the people around you are doing and the activities that are taking place. My observations took place at the Steeplegate Mall in Concord New Hampshire on a Friday in mid-April around four o’clock. I was shocked by what I saw, the mall was no longer as active as it was when I use to go while I was in middle and high school.
Data Collection is a vital aspect of any type of research study. Erroneous data collection can impact the results of a study and ultimately lead to invalid results. Data collection methods for impact evaluation vary along a scale. At the one end of this scale are quantitative methods and at the other end of the scale are Qualitative methods for data collection. Choosing a particular data collection method will depend on the accuracy of information they will yield and the practical considerations, such as, the need for personnel, time, equipment and other facilities, in relation to what is available