Methods of ResearchLesson 6: Methods of Data Collection

Dr. Racidon P. Bernarte

Categories of Data and Sources of data

Primary Data

Secondary Data

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Primary Source•Data is collected by

researcher himself

•Data is gathered through questionnaire,

interviews,

observations etc.

Secondary Source•Data collected,

compiled or written by other

researchers eg. books, journals, newspapers•Any reference must

be acknowledged

• The term "data" refers to the kinds of information researchers obtain on the subjects of their research.

• The term "instrumentation" refers to the entire process of collecting data in a research investigation.

Data Collection

•Compilation and interpretation of primary and secondary sources of information.

•The integration of different sources will consolidate the write up of the report.

Data Collection

Collecting Data using Primary Sources

• Observation A purposeful, systematic and selective way of

watching and listening to an interaction or phenomenon as it takes place.

“interaction of group” “behavior or personality traits of an individual” “Natural” or “Controlled”

Collecting Data using Primary Sources

• Types of Observation Participant observation- is when, as researcher,

participate in the activities of the group being observed in the same manner as its members, with or without knowing that they are being observed.

Collecting Data using Primary Sources

• Types of Observation Non-Participant observation- is when, as

researcher, do not get involved in the activities of the group but remain a passive observer, watching and listening to its activities and drawing conclusions from this.

Problem with using Observation

1. When individuals or group become aware that they are being observed , they may change behavior.

2. There is always the possibility of observer bias.3. The interpretation drawn from observations may

vary from observer to observer.4. There is a possibility of incomplete observation

and/or recording.

Recording the Observation

1. Narrative2. Scales

Recording the Observation

3. Categorical recording “active or passive”; “introvert or extrovert”

4. Recording on mechanical devices

Recording the Observation

3. Categorical recording “active or passive”; “introvert or extrovert”

4. Recording on mechanical devices

Collecting Data using Primary Sources

• Interview Any person-person interaction between two or

more individuals with a specific purpose in mind.

Collecting Data using Primary Sources

• Types of Interview Unstructured Interview

In-depth interviews “face to face” and “repeated interaction”

Focus group interviews Narratives Oral History

Collecting Data using Primary Sources

• Types of Interview Structured Interview

The questionnaire A written list of questions, the answer to

which are recorded by respondents. “Interview Schedule” “Questionnaire”

Choosing between an IS and Q

1. The nature of investigation2. The geographical distribution of the study

population3. The type of study population

Administering Questionnaire

1. The mailed questionnaire2. Online questionnaire (survey)3. Collective administration4. Administration in a public place

Cover Letter of the Questionnaire

1. Introduce you and the institution you are representing;

2. Describe in two or three sentences the main objectives of the study;

3. Explain the relevance of the study;4. Convey any general instructions;5. Indicate that participation in the study is

voluntary;

Cover Letter of the Questionnaire

6. Assure respondents of the anonymity of the information provided by them;

7. Provide a contact number in case they have any questions;

8. Give a return address for the questionnaire and deadline for its return;

9. Thank them for their participation in the study,

Questionnaire: Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages It is less expensive It offers greater anonymity

• Disadvantages Application is limited Response rate is low There is self-selecting bias Opportunity to clarify issues is lacking

Questionnaire: Advantages and Disadvantages

• Disadvantages• Spontaneous responses are not allowed for• The response to a question maybe influenced by

the response to other questions.• It is possible to consult others.• A response cannot be supplemented with other

information.

Interview: Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages More appropriate for a complex situations Useful for collecting in-depth information Information can be supplemented Questions can be explained It has a wider application

Interview: Advantages and Disadvantages

• Disadvantages Time-consuming and expensive The quality of data depends upon the quality of

the interaction The quality of data depends upon the quality of

the interviewer The researcher may introduce his/her bias The interviewer may be biased

Forms of Questions

• Open-Ended The possible responses are not given The respondent writes down the answer in

his/her words or the interviewer records the answer verbatim or in summary

Forms of Questions

• Closed-Ended The possible answer are set out in the

questionnaire and the respondent or the interviewer ticks the category that best describes the respondent’s answer.

Consideration in Formulating Questions

1. Always use simple and everyday language.

Is anyone in your family dipsomaniac?

2. Do not use ambiguous questions.

Are you satisfied with your canteen?

Consideration in Formulating Questions

3. Do not ask double-barreled questions

How often and how much time do you spend on each visit?

4. Do not ask leading questions?

Smoking is bad, isn’t it?

Consideration in Formulating Questions

5. Do not ask question that are based on presumptions

What contraceptives do you use?

Construction of a research instrument

Step 1: List down all the specific objectives, research questions or hypothesis

Step 2: For each objectives , research question or hypothesis, list down all associated questions that you want to answer through your study?

Construction of a research instrument

Step 3: Take each research question identified in step 2 and list the information required to answer

Step 4: Formulate questions to obtain this information

Prerequisite for Data Collection

1. Motivation to share the required information2. Clear understanding of the questions3. Possession of the required information

Collecting Data using Secondary Sources

• Government and non-government publications• Earlier research• Personal records• Mass Media

Problems with using data from Secondary Sources

• Validity and reliability• Personal bias• Availability of data

End!Thank you

Lesson 6: Methods of Data Collection

Dr. Racidon P. Bernarte

AssignmentLesson 6: Methods of Data Collection

Dr. Racidon P. Bernarte

From the research topic related to your own academic field or professional area formulate your instrument using the following steps:

Step 1: List down all the specific objectives, research questions or hypothesis

Step 2: For each objectives , research question or hypothesis, list down all associated questions that you want to answer through your study.

Step 3: Take each research question identified in step 2 and list the information required to answer

Step 4: Formulate questions to obtain this information

From the research topic related to your own academic field or professional area formulate your instrument using the following steps:

Research Problem:

Research Objective 1: Information Required: Questions:

Research Objective 2: Information Required: Questions:

Research Objective 3: Information Required: Questions: