Data Collection Lesson 2

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Questions and Answers

What does primary data refer to?

Data that needs verification for accuracy and validity

Data collected firsthand by the investigator (correct)

Data that is collected using secondary sources

Data derived from multiple studies

Which of the following is NOT a reason to collect data?

Guide in implementation and monitoring

Reliable decision making

To prioritize personal preferences (correct)

Proper allocation of resources

Which of the following best describes secondary data?

Data collected for the first time for a new research project

Data collected directly from stakeholders

Data used only by the original collector

Data that has already been collected and exists (correct)

Why is it essential to check the accuracy and validity of secondary data?

To verify its relevance and applicability Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of data according to its plural form?

It refers to a set of measurements from various samples Signup and view all the answers

Which method is essential for proper resource allocation?

Systematic decision making based on data Signup and view all the answers

How can data collection guide implementation and monitoring?

By establishing a clear understanding of the objectives Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of using a questionnaire?

Respondents might misinterpret the questions. Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers consider when deciding what type of data to collect?

Objectives and the type of study being conducted Signup and view all the answers

Why might follow-ups be necessary in a questionnaire survey?

To ensure a higher response rate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an advantage of using an interview schedule?

It allows observation of the interview setting. Signup and view all the answers

What can distort the returns of an interview schedule?

Biases from the interviewer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage associated with interview schedules?

They require a long time to administer. Signup and view all the answers

How do interview schedules facilitate the response process compared to questionnaires?

They allow for rephrasing of difficult questions. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of observation makes it a classic method of data collection?

It can obtain data when informants are unresponsive. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for using an interview schedule effectively?

Interviewers must receive proper training and supervision. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of inquiry design?

To obtain complete and accurate information relevant to the survey's objectives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be avoided in question wording?

Asking about past events for which recall is difficult Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid leading questions?

They can push the respondent towards a specific answer Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when developing questions for a survey?

Being empathetic towards respondents' feelings and privacy concerns Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a guideline for question development?

Using emotionally charged language to elicit responses Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a double-barreled question?

Do you enjoy studying and prefer reading books? Signup and view all the answers

Which approach helps to avoid ambiguous questions?

Using clear and specific language Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of emotionally charged words in questions?

They might overshadow the content of the question Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when crafting questions for a survey?

Questions should be grouped according to subject areas. Signup and view all the answers

How should sensitive questions be presented in a questionnaire?

They should be preceded by lead-in questions. Signup and view all the answers

What type of questions should be avoided in a survey?

Personalized questions that focus on individual opinions. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the format of questions is correct?

Questions should be easy to understand and follow. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal when starting a questionnaire?

To create interest and motivation in responding. Signup and view all the answers

How can a questionnaire facilitate easier data processing?

By using a logical format and listing response options clearly. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to minimize the writing required by the interviewer?

It makes the survey less intimidating for respondents. Signup and view all the answers

What can help bolster a respondent's confidence during a survey?

Using a pleasant and engaging demeanor from the interviewer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of observational research?

It provides a first-hand account of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of observation as a research method?

It fails to capture in-depth inner feelings. Signup and view all the answers

When utilizing the experimental method, what is typically manipulated?

All factors except for the variable being studied. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of collecting secondary data?

It is economical and available anytime. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of secondary data encompasses diaries and biographies?

Personal documents. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of statistical records?

They can facilitate longitudinal studies. Signup and view all the answers

A disadvantage of personal documents as a data source is that they tend to be:

Biased and limited to specific interests. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern when relying on secondary data?

It might lack relevance to current research focus. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does observation have over interviews in certain research areas?

It reduces the effect of social desirability. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is typically noted as the most powerful for data collection?

Experimental method. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Data Collection Overview

Data refers to measurements from response variables from population elements, either singular or plural.
Example of singular data: Freeway space – 8 mm; Intercanine dimension – 32 mm.
Example of plural data: DMFT rates of 42 subjects.

Importance of Data Collection

Enables reliable and systematic decision-making.
Aids in strategic planning and analysis.
Assists in prioritizing groups and resource allocation.
Guides implementation and monitoring processes.

Categories of Data

Primary Data: Collected firsthand by the investigator; used directly by the person or agency that gathered it.
Secondary Data: Derived from existing sources; must be validated for accuracy.

Data Collection Methods

Limitations of Questionnaires:
- Respondents may skip questions or misinterpret them.
- Low response rate may necessitate follow-ups.
- Reliability of responses is often difficult to verify.
Interview Schedule:
- Involves personal interaction between interviewer and respondent.
- Higher response rates due to direct engagement.
- Interviewer can observe social context and clarify questions.
Limitations of Interview Schedule:
- More resource-intensive (time and cost).
- Potential bias from interviewer's influence.
Observation:
- Effective when respondents cannot provide information (e.g., infants, animals).
- Leads to firsthand accounts with less recall distortion.
Experimental Method:
- Involves control of all factors aside from the studied variable.
- Most powerful data collection method, yielding quick and varied results.

Secondary Data Collection Methods

Documentary Sources: Includes official records (e.g., birth registries) requiring permissions.
Statistical Records: Information gathered over time for longitudinal studies; doesn't depend on participant cooperation.
Personal Documents: Diaries, letters providing rich qualitative insights, but may be biased and unrepresentative.

Guidelines for Effective Data Collection

Align data collection methods with study objectives, time, resources, and urgency.
Question formatting guidelines include:
- Ensure clarity and relevance of each question.
- Be empathetic to respondents' privacy concerns.
- Avoid leading, ambiguous, or overly complex questions.
Sequence questions to build confidence and engagement; use clear formatting for ease of understanding.

Summary of Effective Questionnaires/Schedules

Must be easy to understand, fill out, and follow.
Incorporate clear instructions and minimize complex writing requirements.
Plan for data processing needs and consider ease of analysis for open-ended questions.

Activity and Assessment

Review previous lecture notes on data collection.
Engage in additional readings using reliable sources and library resources.
Assessment occurs in face-to-face sessions with worksheets.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the key concepts of data collection, including the two main categories of data and the sources from which data can be obtained. Test your understanding of these foundational elements crucial for effective data analysis.